Have you ever thought about fostering but don't think you have the time? Or perhaps you'd love to foster, but the idea of having a child in your home 24 hours a day feels daunting?
Respite foster care is an opportunity to become a foster carer without the full-time commitment.
Lucy and Ally, two Central Bedfordshire Council respite foster carers, share their experiences of fostering and answer some of the most frequently asked questions.
What is respite foster care?
Respite foster care provides a foster family with a planned break. This could be anything from two nights every six weeks, a weekend each month or a week's holiday.
Respite care is like being a family member that someone can rely on to look after their child. Just as you might send a child to a grandparent for a holiday, a respite carer can step in and provide that holiday break that everyone needs.
How do I know if I would be a good foster carer?
If you're a loving, honest and compassionate person, you're already on your way to becoming a foster carer.
Fostering and adoption had always been on Lucy's heart, but she wasn't sure whether it was right for her.
Before I had children I didn't think I could do fostering or adoption because I wouldn't get the bond I wanted.
Now that she's a respite foster carer, Lucy knows you can still build a special bond with the children you care for.
Having any time with a foster child on their journey, however short, can have a positive impact on the child. And you make your own memories as a family.
Ally's motivation was to help a family member.
My sister was fostering a young boy with high [additional] needs and she was struggling to get respite. I wanted to help her. I also wanted to help children who need love.
What are the benefits of respite foster care?
Providing respite care helps both foster carers and children. It's a double kindness. You're helping a child or young person remain safe and secure with their long-term foster carers while giving those carers a well-earned break.
If a child comes into my home, it's an honour to have them. My kids want to share their toys with them - that child feels like they are really wanted. They go back and feel refreshed. As do their full-time foster parents. Everyone benefits from respite care.
Respite care is more flexible than full-time fostering. It gives you the opportunity to try something different, develop new skills and make a real difference. There are also financial benefits, and you don't need to give up work.
What resources, training and financial support are available to respite foster carers?
Whether you're providing full-time, emergency or respite foster care, you'll receive the same level of training and support. As a respite foster carer, you'll receive regular check-in visits from your social worker, along with any advice and support you need. Out-of-hours support is also available.
The financial allowance and expenses you receive are equivalent to those paid to full-time foster carers and depend on the amount of time you care for a baby, child or teenager.
Read more about the support and allowances available for foster carers.
Could you spare a weekend once a month to take care of a child?
You'd make a huge difference in the life of a child, their foster carers and their whole family.
How do I become a foster carer?
Start by talking to your family and friends. It's not a decision you need to make alone.
Then get in touch with Central Bedfordshire Council to find out how fostering works and what to expect as you begin this rewarding journey.
Request an information pack or a callback
Telephone: 0300 300 8181