As a short break foster carer, you’ll provide planned respite for children with additional needs, helping families recharge while offering enriching experiences.
Role description
As a Short Break Foster Carer with South Gloucestershire’s Share the Care service, you’ll provide regular, planned care for children and young people with disabilities or additional needs. These placements typically last from an overnight stay to a few days and are designed to give families a trusted break from their caring responsibilities while offering children new experiences and relationships outside their home.
This flexible, paid role fits around your lifestyle and uses the skills you already have to make a meaningful difference. Whether you have experience in education, health, care, or community work—or simply a passion for helping children thrive—this opportunity allows you to become a vital part of your local fostering community.
Responsibilities include
- Provide a safe and welcoming space where children feel secure during their short stay.
- Stay in touch with the child’s main carers to ensure continuity and consistency in care.
- Offer regular, planned care such as weekend visits or overnight stays.
- Support the child’s development while respecting the role of their primary carers.
- Take part in training and access support to meet the child’s individual needs.
Criteria
To become a short break carer, you’ll need to meet the following requirements:
- Be at least 21 years old
- Have a spare bedroom suitable for a child or young person
- Be a full-time resident in the UK or have indefinite leave to remain
- Empathy and understanding of additional needs
- Availability for short stays
- A safe and welcoming home
- Willingness to undertake specialist training
We believe that families come in all shapes and sizes. We welcome foster carers from all backgrounds and we’re proud to celebrate the strength and diversity of our fostering community.
You could foster if you are:
- A single person or part of a couple (including same-sex couples)
- A homeowner or renting
- Working full-time, part-time, or not currently employed
- From any cultural, ethnic, or religious background
You just need the time, energy, and space to care for a child or young person.
How we support you
In return for being part of our team of short break carers, we offer a full package of training and support.
- Dedicated Supervising Social Worker: Ongoing advice and support before, during, and after placements.
- Child’s Social Worker: Helps you understand and respond to the child’s needs and behaviour.
- Training Programme: Includes Safeguarding, Paediatric First Aid, Autism Awareness, ADHD, mental health, and bespoke medical training.
- Support Groups: Regular sessions, social events, and groups for carers and children who foster.
- Peer Support (Buddying Scheme): Guidance from experienced carers during your first year.
If you have the patience, commitment and understanding required to care for children and young people, we’d love to hear from you.
Frequently Asked Questions
It can range from an overnight stay to few days at a time, depending on the child’s needs and care plan.
Yes, you can specify preferences, and we’ll match you with children who suit your experience and home environment.
Absolutely. You’ll have a dedicated social worker, access to training, and 24/7 support.
