Types of Foster Care

Every child is unique and so is the care they need. At Oakwood Fostering, we offer a range of foster placements to ensure each child receives the right support, in the right home, at the right time.

These are the main types of foster
care we provide:

Short-Term Fostering

Short-term fostering provides care for children on a temporary basis from a few days to several months. This type of placement is often used while plans are being made for a child’s future, such as returning home or moving into long-term care. Foster carers provide safety, structure and emotional support during this period of uncertainty.

Long-Term Fostering

Some children are not able to return to their birth families and need a stable, loving home until they grow up. Long-term foster carers offer continuity, belonging and security. Fostering can be life-changing for both the child and the foster carer.

Emergency Fostering

Emergency placements happen at short notice when a child needs immediate care, often due to a family crisis or safeguarding concern. These are typically very short-term, sometimes just overnight or a few days and require carers who can respond quickly, calmly and compassionately.

Short Breaks or Weekend Carers

Short breaks fostering offers short-term care to give full-time foster carers (or birth families) a break. This could be for a weekend, during school holidays, or in planned intervals throughout the year. Our short breaks carers provide consistency, warmth and fun, while helping to maintain placement stability and support carer wellbeing.

Sibling Group Placements

Whenever possible, we aim to keep brothers and sisters together. Sibling group fostering involves caring for two or more children in the same home, supporting their shared bonds and helping them feel safe, supported and connected.

At Oakwood, every foster placement is carefully matched and supported by our experienced team. We take the time to understand your strengths, preferences and family dynamic so you feel confident in the care you provide and every child feels they truly belong.

Talk to our team – See how fostering could work for you

Come & Be a Key Part of Our Team

Becoming a foster carer is one of the most powerful things you can do.

At Oakwood Fostering we don’t just place children, we build lifelong support around loving families.

Whether you’re exploring fostering for the first time or have years of experience and are looking for a change, Oakwood Fostering is ready to help you make a real difference.

Because the love and care you give as a foster parent lasts a lifetime.

We welcome carers from all walks of life, individuals, couples, people from all cultural or faith backgrounds, members of the LGBTQ+ community and those with or without their own children. If you have life experience, emotional resilience and a caring nature, you may already have what it takes.

You don’t need special qualifications to become a foster carer just the time, space, patience and willingness to care for a child who needs you.

To apply, you’ll need to:

Have a spare bedroom

Be a full-time resident in the UK

If you have the ability to provide a safe, stable and supportive home we look forward to hearing from you.