Interested in fostering but can’t commit full time? Short Stay foster care could be for you!
Somerset urgently needs more foster carers, including those able to provide short stays and holiday care for young people.
In this role, carers do not foster a child full-time. Instead, they provide occasional care for a child just one weekend a month or for a week during school holidays, helping to create stability and strengthen the support network around both the child and their foster family—much like an extended family would.
Due to its flexibility and lower level of commitment, this type of foster care is perfect for those who would like to foster around their existing family or work commitments.
Anyone can be a foster carer providing they are aged 21 or over with a spare room in their home. It doesn’t matter who you love or how you identify, or whether you’re in a relationship or single. Carers can be homeowners or renting – either privately, through a housing association, or Council. You can also foster regardless of whether you have children of your own or not, and if you have pets. What matters most is that you can provide a safe, supportive home for a vulnerable young person who may of experienced trauma. More information can be found at https://www.fosteringinsomerset.org.uk/types-of-fostering/short-stays.htm
Foster carers receive full training and on-going support, including regular payments to support you financially.
If you’d like to know more about this rewarding role, visit www.fosteringinsomerset.org.uk or call 0800 587 9900 and chat to our friendly team. You’re not committing to anything by getting in touch to learn more, and you could make a genuine difference to the life and future of a local young person in care.
