Respite Foster Care
- Home
- • Types of Fostering
- • Respite Foster Care
Giving the chance for foster carers to receive some much-needed rest, respite foster care is an extremely valuable service which supports the wider foster care network.
Foster carers can use the time away to replenish their energy, so that they can continue to give their foster children everything that fostering requires of them.
For foster children, respite foster care is also designed to provide the same benefits in terms of a change of scenery, alongside many other advantages for their well-being. As children will remain with foster carers, this sense of continuity helps prevent any potential trauma that may arise from being placed in an unsuitable environment.
Overall, respite foster care is designed to provide a good outcome for both foster carers and their foster children.
What is respite foster care?
Respite foster care provides a short break for full-time foster parents from their caregiving responsibilities. During this time, the foster child stays with a respite foster family who is trained to provide a safe and nurturing environment.
The length of care can last anywhere from a few hours to a few weeks, depending on the needs of foster parents and the child. Respite care is designed to prevent burnout and support the ongoing well-being of both foster parents and the children in their care.
How to become a respite foster parent
For short-term foster parents or long-term foster parents, the process of becoming a respite foster carer is the same. You can find out more about the assessment process here.
During the assessment process, professional training and background checks will be required. We will support you throughout the entire process, including by providing home visits, so that you will be best equipped for your new role.
Who can become a respite foster carer?
If you want to become a respite foster carer you must meet the following criteria:
- You must be over the age of 21.
- You must be in good health, both physically and mentally.
- You must have a spare room in your home that can be used for the child to stay in.
- Your employment status does not influence your application, however, you must have time and resources to provide respite care when needed.
Benefits of respite fostering
While being a foster carer can be extremely rewarding, every once in a while a break is required to allow foster carers to replenish their energy. For you as a respite foster carer, you make this vital rest for both carers and their foster children possible, making your job very important not to mention incredibly worthwhile.
Also, for anyone considering becoming a short-term or long-term foster carer, respite fostering can give you a unique perspective on how fostering works. You’ll gain insights on the kind of qualities needed to become a foster carer, and your confidence will grow with each child you care for.
Many respite foster carers also enjoy the ‘holiday’ feeling aspect of respite fostering, in that foster children can have a wonderful experience during their short time with you. This can offer instant satisfaction, especially as even a small amount of time can create a hugely positive difference to children and their carers.
Finally, respite fostering is also beneficial for those who cannot commit to longer term fostering, but still want to make a difference to children and their foster carers who are in need.
Testimonials
Respite fostering payments
All our foster carers benefit from having a fostering allowance. During the whole stay, the respite foster parent receives an allowance which is calculated based on the number of foster children in your care and their age.
You can refer to our fostering allowance calculator to understand your income as a foster parent.
New to fostering?
Read all our fostering FAQs for a better understanding of the process and benefits of a foster carer.
Areas We Cover
Match Foster Care covers all over the West Midlands, including, Birmingham, Worcestershire, Staffordshire, Dudley, Sandwell, Herefordshire, Telford, Wolverhampton, Shropshire, Walsall, Warwickshire, Stoke, Solihull, Coventry and Gloucestershire.
We have two offices: one in Droitwich and one in Stoke but our staff are located across the whole region to provide local support when you most need it.
Droitwich Office
Severn House, 30 – 32 Ombersley Street West, Droitwich Spa, Worcestershire,
WR9 8QZ
Stoke-on-Trent Office
3-5 Vale Street, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire,
ST4 7LR
Why Match Foster Care Welcomes Foster Carers from LGBTQ+ Backgrounds
Why Match Foster Care Welcomes Foster Carers from LGBTQ+ Backgrounds At Match Foster Care, we believe that fostering is about compassion, commitment, and the ability to provide a safe and nurturing environment for children. We prioritise these qualities over gender, sexual orientation, or background, welcoming foster carers from all walks
5 Reasons to Foster with an Outstanding Fostering Agency
When choosing a fostering agency, it’s important to find one that aligns with your values and offers the right support for you and your family. At Match Foster Care, we’re proud to be an Outstanding fostering agency, and we believe fostering with us in Stoke-on-Trent is a truly unique experience.
Paperless Fostering in Stoke-on-Trent: Why Match Foster Care Doesn’t Require Daily or Weekly Logs
Fostering with Purpose in Stoke-on-Trent At Match Foster Care, we believe fostering is about creating meaningful connections and giving children in Stoke-on-Trent the time, care, and attention they need to thrive. One way we support our foster parents in focusing on what matters most is by not requiring them to
