Working in partnership for the people of Herefordshire
Herefordshire needs local carers for local children
We want to hear from you
Tel: 01432 383 240
The Childrens Resource Team
Moor House
Widemarsh Common
Hereford
HR4 9NA
Office Tel No: 01432 383 240
Fax No: 01432 383 478
Email: fostering@herefordshire.gov.uk
Family and Friends Care GuidanceIf you need help to understand a document, or would like it in another format or language, please call 01432 260500 or email info@herefordshire.gov.uk
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Types of Foster Care
There are many different types of foster care placement;Family and Friends
Family and friends carers play a key role in allowing children to remain living with adults that they know and trust if, for whatever reason, they cannot live with their birth parents. In such cases Herefordshire Council is committed to ensuring that, where possible, a child or young person can remain living within their own family network. The support that family and friends carers receive is critical to the success of any placement and in understanding this, the Family and Friends Carers Guidance booklet (downloadable on the right) contains practical information within explaining what support, both financially and emotionally both children and carers can access.
Short term care
A child might come into care because of an illness or accident or a serious incident at home. Whatever the reasons, social services will be working with the family to resolve the issues so that the child can return home as soon as possible.
Long term care
Some children are unable to return to their families. They will require a stable, long-term fostering placement until they reach the age of 18 or beyond.
Disabled children
We need carers with experience of caring for children with physical or learning difficulties and other special needs.
Brothers and sisters
Wherever possible siblings should be placed together. For many foster children, the relationship with their brothers and sisters is what they value most when separated from their family and staying together is very important.
Mother and baby
We need carers who can help to give extra support in your home to new mums and their babies, particularly teenage mums.
Unaccompanied children and young people seeking asylum
Children who have left their home to seek refuge in the UK and are in need of care and protection. We need foster carers who have an interest in, and an understanding of children coming from other cultures and can provide short periods of care until plans are made for their future.
Older children
We need carers for children of all ages but the biggest area of need is for carers who can foster teenagers. You will need to help them build independent living skills and help them to accept their past and build a positive future.