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- What is Short Breaks fostering?
- What do you need to become a Short Breaks carer?
- Your role as a Short Breaks carer
- Support and training for Short Breaks carers
- Financial allowances for Short Breaks carers
- Thinking about Short Breaks fostering and want to learn more?
What is Short Breaks fostering?
Short Breaks Fostering is designed for children aged 0 to 18 who have additional needs and require extra support. These children are referred through the Children with Disabilities Team or, in some cases, a Children’s Team.
Approved Short Breaks foster carers provide temporary care, allowing children to experience new environments, build independence, and develop social skills, while their primary carers receive essential respite. These planned stays, which can range from a few hours to weekends or school holidays, also give long-term foster carers valuable time to rest and recharge.
What do you need to become a Short Breaks carer?
Anyone with a spare room, time, and a caring attitude can apply to become a Short Breaks foster carer. You do not need to be a parent or have previous fostering experience. Applicants should be in good health, able to communicate effectively in English, and willing to learn about the needs of children with disabilities. Empathy, patience, and a nurturing approach are key qualities.
Your role as a Short Breaks carer
As a Short Breaks carer, you play an important role in supporting both children and their long-term foster families. Short Breaks, sometimes known as respite care, give children the chance to enjoy a change of routine, new activities, and build relationships with another trusted adult.
For the child’s full-time foster carers, these planned breaks offer valuable time to rest and recharge, which helps reduce stress and supports long-term placement stability.
For you, it’s a rewarding way to make a real difference in a child’s life without the commitment of full-time fostering. Whether you offer weekend care, overnight stays, or regular short visits, your support helps children thrive and gives families the space they need to continue their caring roles with energy and focus.
Support and training for Short Breaks carers
Surrey County Council provides comprehensive training and ongoing support to all Short Breaks foster carers. This includes pre-approval training, specialist courses on topics such as autism and medical needs, and continuous professional development through workshops and e-learning. Carers are supported by a dedicated social worker, peer support groups, and a 24/7 helpline.
Carers have access to a variety of support groups, including monthly virtual meetings, mental health-focused sessions, and local drop-in events. These groups offer a space to share experiences, receive advice, and build a supportive community.
Carers are encouraged to explore a range of helpful resources, including websites like Surrey’s Local Offer, The Fostering Network, and Scope UK.
Financial allowances for Short Breaks carers
Short Breaks foster carers receive an age-related allowance for each period of care provided. Payments range from hourly rates to overnight and multi-day stays, with additional allowances for seasonal needs and up to 28 days of paid respite annually.
Thinking about Short Breaks Fostering and want to learn more?
Take our quick Could You Foster? quiz or order a free brochure to learn more about how fostering could fit into your life.