These are placements needed at very short notice because of an emergency. They can last from a few days to up to 2 years (short term) or even longer (long term).

Foster care lasting between 28 days and up to two years. This option is used until a more permanent placement is found. Depending on how well the child or person settles this can sometimes last longer (becoming a long term placement). 

This is the care of a child or young person up until the age of 18. 

This requires the placement of both parent and child to offer support while maintaining consistent levels of care to the child.  

This is where siblings are placed together in the same foster placement. 

This is a placement for displaced migrant children and young people who arrive in the UK without a parent or guardian. 

These are placements for children or young people while permanency plans (such as adoption) are being finalised. These offer foster parents as opportunity to be an integral part of an important transition process. 

These are limited length stays often used when usual foster parents are on leave or when parents need a break.  

This is where a child or young person needs to be placed alone, without other children or young people. The reasons for this can vary.