Emergency Fostering

Certain situations can quickly arise in which a child needs immediate care and protection. 

What is emergency foster care?

An emergency foster placement is typically a short-term solution for children and young people who need immediate protection or sanctuary. Emergency foster care is required when a child or young person is subject to an unsafe living environment, including:

  •    Exposure to drug or alcohol misuse
  •   Family illness or an accident in the home
  •  A sudden change to the family dynamic
  • Parents or carers who are temporarily unable to cope

Whilst a child or young person is placed in emergency care, social workers will be assessing the family home situation and deciding on the next best steps.

Who can become an emergency foster parent?

This type of foster placement typically comes at short notice and allows children who could be in immediate danger to be transferred to a safe and secure environment - usually on a temporary basis. That’s why, as an emergency foster carer, it’s important you are responsive and flexible while having the expertise, skills and knowledge to deal with situations effectively. The role of an emergency foster carer is transitional – you will care for the child or young person during an interim period whilst preparing them for these next steps.

How long is an emergency foster placement?

Typically, emergency foster placements are short-term and can be as short as a matter of days or even hours. However, in some cases, they can transform into longer-term care for the child or young person. This is common when reunification with the birth family is not possible.

How much do emergency foster carers get paid?

How much foster carers get paid often depends on a number of factors such as the type of foster care, the needs of the child or young person and geographical location. Learn more about how much foster carers get paid including specific rates.

How to become an emergency foster parent?

The first step to becoming an emergency foster care parent with Capstone, is to contact a member of our helpful team.  Once you’ve filled in our short contact form, an experienced fostering advisor from your local area will be in touch to chat to you and answer any fostering questions you may have.

When you foster with Capstone Foster Care, you will be provided with extensive fostering training and support to best equip you for your role as an emergency foster carer. We also give you the opportunity to choose the type of fostering you’re most interested in. However, when choosing emergency foster care as a preference, it’s important to note that family members will be chosen as alternative carers where possible. This is to minimise disruptions to the child or young person’s home and school life.

Looking to learn more about becoming an emergency foster carer?  Contact a member of our friendly team today by requesting a call back. Alternatively, give us a call on 0800 012 404.

 

 
 

Thinking of fostering?

If you’ve got any questions or would like to find out more about fostering with Capstone, fill out the form below.
An experienced fostering advisor from your local area will then be in touch.

The information you provide will be used to respond to the enquiry you have submitted, for further information please refer to our privacy policy.

Ways to
GET IN TOUCH

Start the conversation today. Our team of friendly advisors are on hand to answer any foster care questions you may have. We can offer you honest and practical advice that can help you decide if becoming a foster carer is the right path for you. 


Request a
call back

Contact us by completing our online form and one of our fostering advisors will respond to your enquiry within 24 hours.



Call us

Contact us by phone and one of our friendly fostering experts will be on hand for any foster care advice and support you require.



Download a Brochure

Download our helpful guide to becoming a foster carer with Capstone Foster Care.