Can I take a break from fostering?

The practical arrangements for taking time away depend mainly on whether a child is living with you and on your fostering service’s procedures. A pause between placements is usually simpler than taking leave during a placement, but both should be discussed and planned in advance.

If you have no placement , tell your fostering service that you do not want to be considered for a new placement for a period of time. You may be asked to confirm:

• the dates or approximate length of your break;
• whether you want your approval to remain active;
• when you expect to be available for matching again; and
• whether any training, supervision or review arrangements need to be maintained.

Remaining approved does not necessarily mean you must accept every referral. Matching should take account of your skills, household circumstances and the needs of the child. However, an extended period without fostering may lead to a discussion about whether your circumstances, training or approval need to be reviewed before another placement is considered.

If a child is already placed with you , you cannot simply take time away from the caring responsibilities. The child’s safety, stability and established routines must come first. Speak to your supervising social worker as early as possible so that any necessary arrangements can be assessed and agreed.

Depending on the circumstances, support might include planned respite care, another approved carer providing care for a short period, or help from members of the child’s existing support network where this is appropriate and authorised. Any arrangement should be recorded clearly, with information about the child’s routines, medication, education, contact arrangements, behaviour support and emergency contacts.

A break may be needed for many practical reasons, such as a holiday, changes in work or family commitments, health considerations, or time to prepare for a new stage of fostering. The reason does not usually need to be treated as a failure or a permanent decision, but it is important to be open about how your circumstances affect your ability to foster safely.

Before requesting time away, check the following with your fostering service:

• how much notice it requires;
• whether your approval remains active during the pause;
• what training or supervision you should continue;
• how the break may affect future matching decisions;
• what support is available if a child is currently living with you; and
• how and when you should confirm that you are ready to foster again.

Allowances and other financial arrangements can depend on whether a child is placed and on the policies of the fostering service, so ask for current guidance before planning your finances around a break. If you are unsure whether you need a short pause, a change to your approval, or a longer-term decision about fostering, discuss your circumstances with your supervising social worker or fostering service.