BACK TO BLOGFostering is a deeply rewarding experience, but few would say it’s straightforward.
Long days filled with school runs, mealtimes, homework sessions and bedtime routines can take their toll, and like any parent, foster carers can sometimes reach a point where they need space to reset.
While the idea of respite makes sense, the reality is more complex.
It isn’t always easy to access, and approaches vary between services. Some carers even feel that asking about it is like asking for “forbidden fruit.” That’s why it’s such an important conversation to have.
What is respite care?
Respite care is planned, short-term support where another trusted foster carer looks after the child in your care for a set time. It can be anything from an overnight stay to a weekend or a short holiday.
Organisations like the NHS and the Carers Trust actively promote respite as a way to help carers stay in their role for longer. Something that’s more important than ever, given the current shortage of foster carers in the UK.
The important thing to remember is that respite isn’t an emergency removal or a reflection on your ability as a foster carer. When it’s available, respite is designed to support carers and children, helping everyone return to their routines with fresh energy.
However, because of shortages and differences in service agreements, it isn’t always easy to arrange, and that’s something that FosterTalk recognises. It’s why we’re talking about it today, and why we will continue to advocate for increasing access to respite care.
How taking a break is essential to your fostering journey
We all know how rewarding fostering can be, but there’s no denying that it can also take an emotional and physical toll. Taking a break is a professional and healthy approach to ensure you can provide care sustainably.
Respite can give you:
- Time to rest and recharge so you can come back to your role with fresh energy.
- Room to take care of your own to-do list and life outside of fostering, whether that’s catching up with friends or ticking off jobs at home.
- Quality time with your family and relationships, so you can connect with your other loved ones.
In this way, respite is no different to parenting. Many parents rely on grandparents or friends to look after their children on the occasional weeknight or weekend. It’s a perfectly acceptable part of childcare.
How respite can benefit children
While respite gives you a chance to take a breather, it can also be a new adventure for the child in your care.
Respite is always planned with the child’s best interests at heart, and a short break can mean new faces and fun activities to try or simply a change of scenery with a different place to explore. These moments can become something children really look forward to as part of their fostering journey.
The role of support networks and new schemes
Respite works best when you’re not doing it alone. A strong network, whether that’s family, friends, fellow foster carers, or professional support services, can all make the difference.
One brilliant example is the Weekender Scheme. This programme pairs trained volunteers with children or young people in foster care for one weekend each month. Acting more like an aunt or uncle than a parent, Weekenders offer care and stability through activities like trips to the zoo, swimming or a theatre outing.
It’s a great way for children to enjoy new experiences while giving their foster carers valuable time to rest.
And, of course, FosterTalk are always here to provide support and a listening ear whenever you need it!
How to arrange respite care
Arranging respite isn’t always straightforward, as every fostering service has a different approach to how it’s offered. If respite is available to you, a little preparation can make the experience smoother for both you and the child in your care:
- Plan ahead with your agency or local authority so respite becomes a natural part of your care plan, not a last-minute arrangement.
- When possible, involve carers the child already knows or has stayed with before, as this can help them feel more comfortable. However, we understand this isn’t always an option, which is why preparing and involving the child is so important.
- Talk openly with the child about what’s happening and why. Reassurance and inclusion in the planning can help them feel safe and supported.
Caring for yourself is caring for them
At FosterTalk, we believe respite isn’t about stepping back from fostering. It’s about taking the time, so you can be at your best when you’re needed most.
If you haven’t explored respite before, talk to your supervising social worker about the options available. Preparing and involving children in the process can help ensure any break is a positive experience for them as well as you.
Remember: taking care of yourself means you can take even better care of the children who need you. For more information or advice, FosterTalk members can get in touch with our team today.
