An emergency foster placement indicates that a child requires safety quickly with minimal notice. Situations like that are transitional by nature and call for ready families who have been trained to bring stability at a moment’s notice.
When Emergency Placements Occur
Emergency removals include cases when children are in immediate danger, such as from domestic violence or neglect on the part of a parent or because parents have been arrested; medical emergencies also may result in emergency removal. Children need to be placed with a social worker within hours, often in the middle of the night. A bag of tell-tale baggage, these kids arrive with the least amount to their name but carry a whole lot more weight on their hearts.
What Emergency Foster Families Provide
Immediate safety, basic needs and emotional comfort are offered by emergency carers. You might get a call saying: Could you take this scared kid in the next hour? Assessments are made during this time to determine longer-term arrangements, and usually these placements will utilise a 72 hour period up to several weeks.
Unique Challenges
Emergency placements involve high uncertainty. You will not have the full history of this child, behaviour challenges or potential medical needs that quickly. Sudden disruption from both familiar, even dangerous places leaves children bewildered or terrified and enraged.
Essential Preparations
Ready bedrooms with age-appropriate clothing, toys which are specifically aimed at the intellectual developmental stage of a child without posing a threat to choking hazards from parts being broken off will be kept by an emergency foster family.
Store basic toiletries, school supplies and emergency contact information. Also there must be emotional preparation as children are going through a tough time. For Foster Care Bridgend, contact https://saferfostering.org.uk/foster-care-wales/bridgend
Making the Difference
When they do, emergency foster families become a necessary safety net to provide stability in the midst of chaos. Your reaction may be a kick start to their healing process.