Children and young people - respite care
Respite fostering
Respite foster care is a scheme whereby carers look after
children for short periods of time (maybe one or two nights at a
time on a regular basis). Respite carers provide the children
and young people with a different experience of family life and the
adults with a break from the sometimes stressful task of caring for
children on a daily basis. It helps to give families some
breathing space and can help to prevent a family crisis
developing.
How does it work?
A series of short breaks are arranged between the child or young
person, the respite carer, their usual carers and the social
worker. The children stay usually for a couple of nights per
month, though sometimes more. It is a regular arrangement and
the child or young person will stay with the same respite
carers. The arrangement is usually planned with agreed time
limits.
Who are Respite Carers?
Respite carers are approved foster carers who have received
training and assessment by our Fostering Team.
Respite carers may be:
- Married, single or living with a partner
- Have their own children, be childless or have their
own children grown up and left home
- Be working or unemployed
- Be straight or gay
Respite foster carers undergo the same assessment process as
those fostering full time. The assessment includes a medical,
references and a police check.
There is no upper age limit to become a respite carer though we
do need you to be in good health.
Do I have to give up my job?
No you don't. Respite foster carers work weekends or
during school holidays. The support they offer is agreed so
can be timetabled around work commitments.
Will I get paid for being a respite carer?
Yes. Respite foster carers are paid a boarding out
allowance whilst the children are living with them.
What support will I receive?
As a respite carer you will be allocated a fostering social
worker who will offer you ongoing support.
You will automatically become a member of Rochdale Foster Carer
Association which is run by and for foster carers. The
association offers help and support and the chance to share
experiences with other carers.
What do I do next?
If you are interested in becoming a respite foster carer contact
the duty officer. They will be able to provide you with more
information and start the assessment process.