Become a Specialist Pause and Reflect Foster Carer Location: Stoke-on-Trent Role Type: Full-Time | Short-Term Therapeutic Fostering | Transformational Impact Could you offer a safe and stable home to a child in crisis? Stoke-on-Trent City Council is recruiting Specialist Pause and Reflect (PAR) Foster Carers to provide vital short-term care for children and young people with complex needs. Pause and Reflect (PAR) placements provide care for up to 28 days while longer-term arrangements are assessed. These young people may be new to care, arriving in emergency situations, or waiting for a suitable longer-term foster home. You’ll provide them with calm, compassionate care during a time of intense uncertainty, helping them feel safe, heard, and supported. What Is Pause and Reflect Care? Short-term placements (up to 28 days) Often made with little or no notice Children may be of any age, and often have experienced trauma or instability Care focuses on stability, therapeutic support, and clear boundaries You’ll work closely with a multi-agency team to help assess and plan next steps What We’re Looking For We’re seeking individuals or couples who are: Experienced in supporting children or young people, especially those with trauma or high-risk behaviours Able to provide full-time care (24/7) including during emergencies Over 21, living in the UK with a spare bedroom and a stable home environment Emotionally resilient, flexible, and reflective Strong communicators who can work as part of a professional team Willing to complete ongoing therapeutic training Understanding of safeguarding and adolescent risks (e.g. exploitation, mental health, substance misuse) Car users essential What We Offer Specialist therapeutic training and ongoing development A dedicated key worker and enhanced supervision Peer support groups 24/7 standby support from our emergency duty team Coordination with multi-agency professionals Fees & Benefits Competitive professional fostering fee (up to 52 weeks per year) Age-related maintenance allowance Paid 14-day break after every 56 days of active PAR care Celebration allowances (e.g. birthdays, Christmas) Initial setup and clothing allowance Mileage allowance Interested? If you’re compassionate, resilient, and want to make a real difference in a young person’s life, we want to hear from you. Apply now to become a Specialist Pause and Reflect Foster Carer : email: fostering@stoke.gov.uk telephone: 01782 234555 web: fostering.stoke.gov.uk