Respite Care while working full-time

[EvaAdam]

I've recently started the process of applying to be a foster carer. I work full-time, so am thinking respite care would probably be most appropriate.

Was wondering what others experiences of providing respite care are? For example, how often do you have placements? How much notice do you get?

Also any tips re: registration process? Seems to be going fairly quickly, but don't know if that's false optimism?

Thanks!

I am a full time carer with a child long term. I sometimes do respite for another carer. I usually do 1 or 2 weeks per year so that they can go on holiday.
I have never used respite nor have most of the carers I know as we always take our child with us. I have however used my friend who came to stay in my house when my partner and I went away for a birthday.
I am with an agency and they don’t really promote respite unless it is an emergency.
Would you be providing weekend respite or for parents with children with disabilities?

Yes, I said I would do either. Would love to foster full-time, but that's of course not possible for me.

Hiya
We work full time and do respite care as well.

At the moment we have one boy who we take for one weekend a month, as well as a day visit once a month. We organise it ourselves with mum, so it's what really suits her and us.. Usually a month or so in advance

Hey Alr91 - thank you for your response!

How does it work, does he bring some toys, etc? Was just thinking if I end up looking after several kids whether I'll need to get stuff for all ages? Or whether as it's just short-term the kids bring along a few favourites?

He is only 5 so brings some teddies.We have some stuff we have picked up along the way puzzles, board games, books etc.. At times out of charity shops, or seeing things on sale. Park is free, as is nice walks and a picnic along with a bonus of tiring them out!

I was a foster carer. I had cover for holidays as the children were demanding and my own D.C. needed some downtime. We holidayed with the FCs but also without. When they were particularly difficult we had a weekend a month.

Respite carers tended to take them to the park, cinema, Macdonald's etc. When you get a regular link, you can build up a bank of things they enjoy- maybe get a craft set, or a few board games.