What Cwmbran Foster Carers Need to Know About Respite

Foster Care Cwmbran – Respite Information for Foster Carers in Cwmbran

Respite is a way for foster carers to have a planned, temporary, ‘space’ break from a child/ren in their care, and be supported by another approved foster carer/s whilst they are away.

What Respite Care Actually Is

There are many Respite Care situations within Fostering that require Foster Carers to have some knowledge about what Respite Care is and how it works. As Foster Carers, you will read about the situation where there is a short period of time where another Foster Carer, approved by Social Services, looks after your Foster Child/Children.

How to Request It

It is best to contact your supervising social worker as early as possible for a planned break, ideally 2-3 weeks before. Your supervising a respite placement is done by your agency or local authority and in the case of Foster Care Cwmbran placements, this is handled by Safer Fostering for you.

What Happens for the Child

Typically children are looked after by the same respite carer. The child’s usual routine, school, and contact arrangements will be adhered to by the foster carer and respite carer.

How It Affects Your Allowance

As mentioned earlier your normal fostering allowance will cease and be paid to the Respite Foster Carer instead, however it is best to check with your fostering agency for exact terms. A useful reference for Foster Care Cwmbran is https://saferfostering.org.uk/foster-care-wales/cwmbran/.

Planning ahead of time will mean that respite is a positive experience for everyone, including the child.