Emergency Fostering

Children leave their biological parents for many reasons, for example sometimes the parent simply needs some respite or is unwell and cannot cope. This is where Kindercare NI can help with emergency fostering help and support

However, sometimes it is necessary for social services to act quickly to prevent harm occurring to a child, or some unforeseen event happens that leaves a child without their parents. It is this kind of short notice emergency foster care that is in high demand from social services up and down the country.

For children desperate for a safe, secure and stable home to welcome them at short notice, the foster carer is the fourth emergency service. What young people need in the midst of a crisis is someone who is calm consistent and reliable, often children entering the care system have not experienced these qualities in adults before.

An unexpected emergency foster placement can turn a child’s world upside down and result in all manner of devastating emotions and feelings.

This is why a stable place to stay for a few days, weeks or even longer is invaluable to help the foster placement start to process what has happened to them. An emergency foster carer needs to have a bedroom set aside at all times for a young person to stay in and you must expect to be called on 24 hours a day.

Often children can be traumatised by the experience of emergency foster care or the events that led up to entering care, so being sensitive to these needs is essential.

At Kindercare NI we often see young people emotionally distressed, often exhibiting challenging or difficult behaviours, but with time and understanding they make significant progress.

Emergency foster care can be challenging but it is ultimately very rewarding, knowing that you have enabled a child who is frightened and alone to have a safe place to stay.If you are considering emergency fostering and would like to work with [long name], an organisation that values experience, insight and mentoring its carers, simply contact us on 028 9094 1690