Short Term vs. Long-Term Foster Care

Foster parents play a crucial role in the foster care system, especially in overburdened states with more children than they can house. For instance, North Carolina currently has around 12,000 kids and teens in the child welfare system.

In North Carolina and across the country, states are dealing with foster home shortages.

However, many people that want to help aren't aware of how the foster care system works or even that there is more than one type of care. Short-term foster care may be a more viable option if you can't provide long-term care.

Keep reading to discover the differences between them.

Short-Term Foster Care

Foster care is usually a temporary solution until children can be reunited with their parents or family. Kids may stay with a foster family for a few weeks or upwards of a year. It depends on the biological family's case plan.

So, what is short-term foster care?

Children in foster care stay with temporary caregivers until it's safe for them to return home. During this period, the court and the foster agency work toward finding a long-term solution for the child.

How Long Is Short-Term Foster Care?

Short-term fostering can last anywhere from a single night to a few years.

The parents or primary caregivers usually spend this time making changes to create a safe environment for their child or to become better carers.

Reunification is the most common outcome. It's also the goal of most case plans. However, kids may also become eligible for adoption, live with another family member, etc.

Children in the foster care system stay with a licensed foster family until a case plan goal has been established and finalized.

Why Are Children in Foster Care?

Kids can wind up in foster care for many reasons. Children who were abused or neglected get removed from their homes and placed in a safer environment. If a child's parent becomes hospitalized or incarcerated, and there is no one to care for them, they may also end up there.

Parents with significant mental health or medical needs may not be able to provide the appropriate level of attention. Sometimes, moms and dads dealing with financial hardship may struggle to feed and care for a child.

The Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System tracks data across the United States to create a comprehensive picture. The latest report shows that 63% of youth wind up in the foster care system due to neglect. Substance abuse, inability to cope, and other issues contribute to the number of kids in care.

Who Should Be a Short-Term Foster Parent?

There are many ways to help foster kids in your community. One of the best ways to do so is to open your home.

If you're considering it, you might wonder how to become a foster parent in the first place. The initial inquiry is easier than you might think, and most people already qualify to get their license.

Each state has different rules and regulations. Research your state's foster parent laws and requirements to ensure you're a good fit. You can find information and resources on the topic on our website.

If you love children, you're patient, flexible, willing, and able to care for them 24/7, then you can make a great foster parent. And although having parenting experience is helpful, it's not strictly necessary. Even single individuals can get a foster license.

Long-Term Foster Care

Since short-term foster care can extend upwards of a year or more, what is long-term foster care?

This type of fostering refers to when a child is placed with a family for more than two years. Generally, these kids cannot be safely returned to their biological parents. This may happen if a parent dies or if they can't complete their case plan goals.

These foster youths stay with a family or in a safe environment until they reach adulthood and can age out of the system or get adopted. Many foster homes will adopt children in their care, which is an excellent way to grow your family.

Who Should Be a Long-Term Foster Parent?

If you plan on continuing your fostering journey, you might be open to the possibility of long-term foster care. Parents who find the experience enriching and life-changing may continue to foster well into their older years.

Many people also begin fostering with the intention to adopt. While not all foster kids become eligible for adoption, many do, especially older kids and teens.

If you want to grow your family and welcome a new child, you may want to follow the foster-to-adoption path.

What Is Respite Care?

If you're researching different types of foster homes, you may have heard of respite care. These providers give foster families a much-needed break by watching their kids for a short period.

Respite care allows people to see what it's like to be a foster parent before committing. It's also an excellent way to help the foster kids in your community.

These providers watch foster kids for an even shorter time, varying from a few hours to a few weeks. It depends on the foster family's situation.

The state or a private foster agency trains and approves respite care parents. If you want to try it out, contact a local agency to inquire. You'll have to pass background checks, complete paperwork, pass safety inspections, etc.

Many people who start as respite caregivers go on to become short-term or long-term foster parents.

Interested in Fostering a Child?

As you can see, there are several types of foster care options. Most people start as short-term foster care parents. However, if you love fostering and helping children, you may choose to become a long-term foster parent or even adopt.

We can help you here at Foster US Kids if you want to learn more about fostering. Our mission is to increase access to information and assist parents in learning more about the foster care system. If you have any questions, fill out our online form, and we'll connect you with an agency.