What is specialist fostering?

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Specialist fostering is a type of foster care in the UK designed for children and young people who have more complex needs and require a higher level of support than standard foster placements can offer. This form of fostering involves specially trained foster carers who provide care in challenging situations.

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Who needs specialist fostering?

Children placed in specialist fostering may have experienced significant trauma, neglect, or physical and mental abuse in their lives. Some may have behavioural difficulties, physical or learning disabilities, mental health needs, or be involved in the criminal justice system. Others may be unaccompanied asylum-seeking children or young people at risk of sexual or criminal exploitation.

What are the types of specialist fostering?

There are several forms, including therapeutic fostering. This is for children needing strong emotional and psychological support. This often involves carers trained in trauma-informed care and therapeutic techniques.

A parent and child placement refers to a young parent and their baby being placed together with a foster carer who helps assess them. Remand fostering is for young people awaiting trial or sentencing. It provides a stable alternative to custody. Step down fostering is a bridge between residential care and family-based care for children transitioning out of institutional settings.

What training and support is there for carers?

Specialist foster carers receive intensive training, ongoing supervision, and 24/7 support from fostering agencies or local authorities. They are often part of a wider professional team, working closely with social workers, therapists, and education staff.

Foster care Bridgend plays a vital role in supporting children and young people who are unable to live with their families. You can get more information at https://saferfostering.org.uk/foster-care-wales/bridgend/. The importance of fostering in providing love, stability and care to children and young people is recognised regularly with unsung hero awards across the UK.

What financial allowances are there for carers?

Because of the complexity of the role, specialist carers usually receive a higher fostering allowance than standard carers. This reflects both the demands of the placement and the advanced level of care provided to the child or young person.