Due to government restrictions on social distancing and mixing with other households, most planned breaks for children in foster care were stopped in accordance with public health guidance. We have outlined some considerations, following informal consultation with our members, to aid decision making to enable and support the resumption of planned breaks where it is in the best interests of the child, relevant and perhaps necessary.
The Fostering Network understands that fostering households have faced, and continue to face, unprecedented times throughout the coronavirus pandemic and may need a planned break. We hope that this resource helps both foster carers and fostering services consider all the relevant factors such that planned breaks can happen safely.
The following resource includes factors to consider, for foster carers and social workers, when making decisions around planned breaks during the coronavirus pandemic.
