Flexible fostering

Fostering can begin with one weekend a month making a lasting difference to a child’s life. Flexible fostering can fit around your family life, work and other commitments.

Flexible fostering that fits around you

Not everyone can foster full-time, but there are other ways to support a child. Whether you can offer one weekend a month, time during the school holidays or another type of support, there are flexible ways to be there for a child in Oxfordshire.

What one weekend can mean to a child

For one Oxfordshire respite foster carer, offering regular weekends gives the children they support the chance to enjoy new experiences, build confidence and create happy memories. From exploring woodland trails and flying kites to visiting new places, these weekends offer time to try something new and simply enjoy being a child.

Everybody has something they can contribute. Even a small amount of time can make a real difference to a child - Oxfordshire respite foster carer.

There's more than one way to foster

Whether you can offer a weekend, a few weeks or ongoing support, there are different ways to support a child or young person.

Weekend fostering (relief)
Offer a child a safe and supportive home on weekends or during school holidays.
Short break foster care
Provide regular care for a child with disabilities and support their family.
Emergency fostering
Give a child a safe place to stay when they need support at short notice.
Short-term fostering
Provide stability and care while longer-term plans are put in place.
Supported lodgings (16 to 25 years)
Help a young person develop the skills and confidence to live independently.

You don’t need to know which type of fostering is right for you. Our team can talk you through the options and help you explore what could work for your circumstances.

How does it work?

Fostering can feel like a big step, even if you're only considering offering a weekend or a few weeks of care. We’ll guide you through every stage, from your first enquiry to training, assessment and ongoing support, so you feel informed and confident throughout.

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An infographic titled :'Your fostering journey' shows the fostering assessment process, which takes around 4 to 6 months.

The journey starts with:

Enquiry
Initial home visit
Application and checks
Skills to foster training
Assessment conversations
Assessment report
Fostering panel. A milestone is reached as "Approved foster carer".

The journey then continues with

First placement opportunity
Welcome your first foster child
Ongoing support and learning.

What happens next?

Complete our online enquiry form and one of our fostering team will get in touch. It’s a chance to ask questions, talk about your circumstances and find out whether flexible fostering could work for you.

Start your enquiry

Contact us

Still have questions? You don’t have to make an enquiry straight away.

Call 0800 783 5724 or email fostering@oxfordshire.gov.uk to speak to a member of our fostering team.