SHORT TERM FOSTER CARE

COUNTY FOSTERING: OFFERING STABLE SHORT TERM FOSTER CARE IN NORTHAMPTON & MILTON KEYNES

We understand that not every child needs a long-term placement, and not every carer can commit indefinitely. Short Term Fostering, also known as Temporary Foster Care, is a vital service providing children and young people with a safe, stable, and nurturing home environment while plans for their future are finalised.

This flexible and highly rewarding role provides an essential bridge, ensuring a child’s needs are fully met during a critical period of transition.

WHAT IS SHORT TERM FOSTER CARE?

Short Term Foster Care involves offering a safe placement for a child or young person for an agreed period, which can range from a few days up to two years.
The main objective of a Short-Term Fostering placement is to support the child until they can:

Return safely to their birth family.
Move to a long-term fostering arrangement.
Be placed with adoptive parents.

A REWARDING ROLE FOR A TEMPORARY FOSTER PARENT

As a Short Term Foster Parent or Temporary Foster Parent, you play a key role in a child’s life during a period of uncertainty. You provide stability, comfort, and positive routines, helping them process change and adjust to new circumstances.

This type of care is ideal for individuals or families in Northampton or Milton Keynes who are new to fostering or need more flexibility in their commitment.

THE CHILDREN WHO NEED YOU

Children and young people require Temporary Foster Care for a variety of reasons, often due to family illness, a crisis at home, or while legal and safeguarding assessments take place.

Regardless of the length of stay, every child in Short Term Foster Care needs:

A welcoming and secure home.
Emotional warmth and understanding.
A respectful environment that celebrates their identity and culture.

You will work closely with our dedicated team and other professionals to ensure a seamless transition for the child, providing them with the best possible start to their next chapter.

WHAT TRAINING WILL I COMPLETE?

Training is mandatory and will be provided by specialist trainers.
Once approved, all new foster carers will complete skills to foster training, followed by TSDS (training, support and development standards).
Training will include (but is not limited to): First aid, Safeguarding, Reporting and recording, Safer care and allegations, Therapeutic care, Preparing for independence and leaving care, Financial abuse, De-escalation, PACE (playfulness, acceptance, curiosity, and empathy)

SUPPORTING OUR SHORT TERM FOSTER PARENTS

When you choose to become a Short Term Foster Parent with County Fostering, you receive the highest level of professional support.

We provide:

Specialist Training: Full access to all relevant Foster Carer Training Courses to prepare you for diverse needs.
Dedicated Local Team: Personalised support from a Supervising Social Worker based locally to Northampton and Milton Keynes.
24/7 Assistance: Access to our experienced support line, ensuring you are never alone.
Generous Allowance: A competitive weekly fostering allowance to cover the costs of caring for the child.

If you are based in Northampton or Milton Keynes and are ready to offer a safe, temporary home, we encourage you to take the next step.