Learn from carers and young people about their care experiences, the challenges they have faced and how their lives have changed for the better.

Long-term care

Long-term care provides children with a safe and loving home until family circumstances change, or until the child turns 18 if returning to their birth family isn't possible.

Short-term and emergency care

Short-term care aims to give the birth family time to manage a difficult issue, and can last from two weeks to two years. The child may then return to their birth family if it's appropriate, or they may be placed in long term care.

Emergency foster care may involve an overnight stay or last for up to two weeks. Carers who provide emergency care can be contacted at short notice at any time of the day.

Respite care

Respite care involves having a child in care for short stays. This could be regular weekends, school holidays or one off overnight stays. Respite care gives longer term foster carers a break and allows children to build new relationships and have new experiences.

Stories from young people

Page last updated: 6 August 2021