Providing stability, safety and emotional warmth when it’s needed most.
Emergency fostering is a short-notice placement for children who need a safe, nurturing home — right now. These placements can happen at any hour, day or night, often because a child’s living situation has suddenly become unsafe or unsustainable.
At Wholistic Fostering, we know that children arriving in emergency care are often confused, scared or overwhelmed. That’s why we prioritise not just a roof over their heads, but a calm, emotionally attuned welcome. Even in the middle of the night, what they feel when they walk through the door matters — and our carers are ready.
Emergency placements can be needed for many reasons:
Often, children arrive with little more than the clothes they’re wearing. Our job is to meet them with care, compassion and structure — helping them feel safe from the moment they arrive.
Emergency foster carers provide immediate care, safety and emotional support, while longer-term arrangements are made. Children may stay for just a few nights or for several weeks.
You may not always know much about a child’s background when they arrive, so it’s vital to be:
At Wholistic, we also welcome carers with specific skills — such as experience supporting children with additional needs or therapeutic care training.
Emergency fostering can be unpredictable and intense — but also incredibly meaningful. You are there at the most vulnerable moment in a child’s life, providing grounding, safety and hope.
It’s not about having all the answers. It’s about being present, responsive and compassionate.
You won’t be doing it alone. Emergency carers at Wholistic receive:
We make sure you’re always equipped, supported and heard.
We work with individuals and couples who:
Some carers combine emergency fostering with work, depending on availability and flexibility. We’ll talk with you about what works for your lifestyle.
The process to become an emergency foster carer is thorough but supportive. It typically takes 4–6 months, but if you're ready and available, we also offer a fast-track approval process that can take as little as 8 weeks.
From your first enquiry to your first placement, we walk beside you the entire way.
In emergency care, every moment counts. If you think you could offer stability, warmth and calm in a time of chaos, we’d love to hear from you.
Enquire now to start a conversation — no pressure, just possibilities.
