What Is Short Break Fostering?

Formally known as respite care.

These placement types offer a foster family some downtime, enabling both the child/young person and their foster parents some well needed space to rest.
This is an invaluable service for our carers, ideal for disability placements or children with additional needs, Short break care gives the opportunity to decompress for everyone involved in a placement.

As a short break carer, you will offer a home that a child or young person can thrive in.
In most cases, where respite care is required a foster family will partner with a specified respite carer so the transition for the child or young person can be as seamless as possible – forming relationships that again, extend the young persons network beyond what they would have experienced otherwise.

Outcomes of short break fostering

Every family has their up and down periods where time apart can help reevaluate, relax and reignite a relationship that may be going through a rough patch. Short break care is critical to maintaining strong bonds between children and their foster family as they have that opportunity if only for a few days, to let off some steam outside of the foster family home.
You will develop skills through training and networking events that ensure you can manage any/all situations that may arise as well as having a dedicated social worker that will be on call whenever you may need.

Make an enquiry!

Become a foster carer

Short break fostering | Latest news

Black History Month

Black History Month

& why diverse foster families reinforce positive self-esteem in looked-after children. There are no blueprints in fostering. Every child is unique and maintaining or building their sense of sel...
Fostering with young children

Fostering with young children

Fostering with young children & the benefits for your family. Fostering children can be one of the most rewarding experiences for families, and while it can feel like a big decision, foster...
Coping with stress in fostering

Coping with stress in fostering

Stress in foster care is a common challenge Foster care often comes with significant emotional and psychological challenges. One of the most prevalent issues faced by foster parents and children a...

Types of foster care

Fostering-Network
Your interview - What you need to know.
If you’ve been invited to an interview, it’s your chance to meet us, tell us about yourself, and take a step towards building your incredible career.
Your interview is your opportunity to learn more about us.
So come prepared with your questions. Plus its our opportunity to get to know you, understand your motivation to work in this sector and get a good understanding of your experience and background.
The first step.
Is either a face to face interview carried out in person or via TEAMS. If you’re successful, the next stage is a more formal interview with at least two members of our team. At least one of the interview panel will have been trained in the NSPCC safer recruitment standards.
You might be invited for a second interview.
Or we might ask you to prepare a presentation or other sample of work. Think about what the role requires and prepare to show you’re a great fit.
We’ll carry out a criminal record check.
Bring the necessary identity documents to your formal interview. The address on the documents should match the address on your application form. You’ll need proof of your right to work in the UK, you will be provided with a list of approved identification documents in line with The Disclosure and Barring Service and proof of your address.
Certificates!
Remember to bring any qualification certificates that are required for the role.
Previous slide
Next slide
Be a successful candidate!
Read through our hints and tips and give yourself the best chance at a career with The CFT.
Do your research!
Look at our website and check that you match our outlook and culture.
Apply via our application form.
We require a fully completed application form, we’ll ask for your full employment history from age 16, include all job titles, employment dates and your reason for leaving – and if there are any gaps, please tell us why.
We’ll need contact details of referees.
Referee's should be people you’ve worked with during the last three years. One should be your most recent employer. We’ll also need a reference from any employer where you’ve worked directly with children and young people and a personal referee.
We’ll carry out a criminal record check.
If you’ve lived abroad within the last ten years, you might also be asked to complete an overseas criminal record check.
If your application is successful.
There may be some more pre-employment checks specific to the role, but a member of our HR Team will be in touch to talk you through what’s needed.
Previous slide
Next slide