As a short-term foster carer, you’ll be a safe haven for children during times of uncertainty—offering care, comfort, and stability while longer-term plans are made.
Short-term foster care provides a safe and supportive home for children and young people who need temporary care while decisions are made about their long‑term future. Placements can last from a few days to several months, and in some cases, up to two years. As a short-term foster carer, you’ll offer stability, comfort, and routine during a time of transition—helping children feel secure while professionals work to reunite them with their birth families or find a permanent home.
The role is varied and challenging, and includes attending meetings, keeping records, managing behaviour, and promoting family time with birth families.
Responsibilities
- Establish and maintain a good routine for children
- Treat all children as individuals and as part of your family
- Work as part of a team with staff and professionals from many other agencies
- Actively encourage children to learn, and help them to feel positive about their background, culture and religion
- Promote the healthy growth and development of a child, particularly with regards to their health and education
- Deal responsibly with confidential information and keeping written records
- Speak up for the child (or children) to ensure they receive good care and the opportunities to develop
- Build relationships with children and young people to assist them in keeping in touch with others who are important to them
- Attend training courses provided to support your development as a foster carer and develop your skills
- Provide a safe, caring and nurturing home
- Understand the child or young person's past experiences and how this may impact their behaviour
Criteria
To become a short-term foster carer, you’ll need to meet the following requirements:
- Be at least 21 years old
- Have a spare bedroom suitable for a child or young person
- Be a full‑time resident in the UK or have indefinite leave to remain
- Availability to care for children at short notice
- Patience, empathy, and resilience
- Willingness to work with professionals and birth families
We believe that families come in all shapes and sizes. We welcome foster carers from all backgrounds and we’re proud to celebrate the strength and diversity of our fostering community.
You could foster if you are:
- A single person or part of a couple (including same‑sex couples)
- A homeowner or renting
- Working full‑time, part‑time, or not currently employed
- From any cultural, ethnic, or religious background
You just need the time, energy, and space to care for a child or young person.
By joining our team, you will benefit from:
- A dedicated social worker to support you and your family throughout your fostering journey
- A 24‑hour support line, seven days a week
- A network of support from experienced foster carers including support groups and a buddying scheme
- Support for birth children and foster children from our WAYPOINT team
- Regular activities and events for the whole family
- A variety of discounts and benefits from venues across the UK
If you have the patience, commitment and understanding required to care for children and young people, we’d love to hear from you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a short‑term placement last?
It can range from a few days to several months, depending on the child’s needs and care plan.
Can I choose the age range of children I care for?
Yes, you can specify preferences, and we’ll match you with children who suit your experience and home environment.
Absolutely. You’ll have a dedicated social worker, access to training, and 24/7 support.
All fostering enquiries are handled first by our partners, Fostering South West (also known as the regional hub). The hub brings together enquiries for all local authorities across the South West. They aim to contact you within two days of your enquiry for an initial chat to help you decide whether fostering is right for you. If it is, the hub passes your enquiry to us (South Gloucestershire Council), and we support you through the rest of your fostering journey.
Register your interest and begin your incredible journey to becoming a foster carer with us.
Short-Term Foster Carer employer: Foster South Glos
As a Short Break Foster Carer with South Gloucestershire’s Share the Care service, you will join a supportive and diverse community dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of children with additional needs. We offer comprehensive training, ongoing support from dedicated social workers, and opportunities for personal growth, all while allowing you to work flexibly around your lifestyle. This role not only provides enriching experiences for children but also fosters a rewarding environment for carers, ensuring that you feel valued and empowered in your vital contribution to local families.
