Support Carers

In some circumstances, Foster Carers are able to identify members of their support network (for example a family member or close friend) who can offer more regular childcare support than would ordinarily be the case with a babysitter.

The agreement to this kind of support will depend on the needs of the children in placement.

These Support Carers will need to be assessed to consider their suitability to undertake this role. Support carers are not approved as foster carers. The use of support carers rather than ‘short breaks’ has many advantages in that they will be people known to the child or children in your care.

The support offered can be for a particular child with the carer or the support carer can be assessed to offer short breaks to any child in that foster home. If you would like this kind of support and can identify an appropriate support carer for your household, please talk to your Fostering Social Worker.