There are a number of types of foster care to choose from. Some families choose to provide one kind of care. Others do a variety of care.
Ongoing care
- Care to children who need to be out of their family home for one month to a year or more.
Emergency shelter care
- Care to children who are experiencing a child protection crisis or immediate non-protection personal or family crisis requiring a separation from their family. Expected length of placement is less than one month and often shorter.
Respite care
- Care provided for families who need brief (several days) and often regular time away from stresses they are experiencing in the family. Considered part of a plan to prevent the need for longer-term placements.
Relief care
- Care provided to children already in ongoing foster care for the purpose of supporting the work of the ongoing foster parent by allowing time to nurture their own biological family needs.