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Emergency fostering offers young people a six to eight week placement in a safe and stable home; with a view to preventing young people over the age of 10 being placed in residential care.  This allows us to work with them and their families to enable a return home. When this is not possible, the best alternative placement can then be planned for.

Carers will need to have:

  • significant experience of caring for or working with other people’s children, preferably teenagers

OR

  • three years fostering experience.

In addition:

  • one carer needs to be home-based and available to receive a young person at short notice
  • carers will need to be good in a crisis; maintain a safe and calm environment for children who are angry or distressed and be flexible in their lifestyle and approach to individual children.

Emergency foster carers receive a skills payment in addition to the fostering allowances.

Related information

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mainstream fostering?

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