If you are considering becoming a foster carer, one of the first decisions you’ll need to make is whether short-term or long-term fostering better suits your situation and preferences. Both short and long-term fostering play vital roles for children in need but require different levels of commitment and have different rewards and challenges.
This article will explore the key differences to help you determine which option may be the better fit for you.
Providing Immediate Support with Short-term Fostering
Short-term fostering, also referred to as emergency or respite fostering, involves temporarily caring for a child or sibling group for anywhere from one night up to two years.
Reasons children may need short-term care include:
Their regular foster home is not available for a period
A permanent placement option is being sought for the child by the fostering agency
The child’s home situation is unsafe, and care is urgently needed while next steps are determined
As a short-term carer, you would provide stability, comfort and reassurance while the child’s longer-term placement is finalized. It can be extremely rewarding to know you are providing vital immediate support at a time of uncertainty and crisis. However, saying goodbye can also be emotionally difficult.
Short-term fostering also requires high flexibility as placements may be made urgently. It suits those whose work and personal life enable them to adapt plans at short notice when placements come up.
Providing a Consistent Loving Home with Long-term Fostering
Those who become long-term foster carers take on more responsibility for consistency and continuity in the child’s development.
Reasons a child may need long-term care include:
Court orders preventing them from safely returning to their birth family
Their parents agree that fostering is best for the child’s stability
Efforts towards adoption or placement with relatives are being explored
As a long-term carer, you support the child to feel safe, secure, and cared for despite the uncertainty around where they will ultimately live as an adult. You attend school events, and medical appointments and participate in hobbies alongside them.
The aim is to reduce the amount of change and upheaval the child must cope with. This care helps them develop securely. Saying goodbye when an adoptive family or relatives are found can be extremely difficult emotionally. However, some long-term foster carers maintain contact which eases the transition.
Assessing Your Suitability
When weighing up short versus long-term fostering, reflect honestly on questions such as:
Could you grow attached to a child knowing care would not be permanent?
Would you feel comfortable looking after children with little advance notice?
Do you have space in your life for extensive long-term commitments?
How might foster impact others in your household?
Seeking guidance from fostering agencies on what each role involves day-to-day is crucial. Be open about any apprehensions you may have too. Exploring the pros and cons in an honest, self-reflective way empowers you to know which option is the best match.
Whilst all foster care has emotional highs and lows, understanding what you feel able to manage realistically is key to being the support these children truly need.
Reflecting on whether emergency or routine care suits your situation better clarifies if short or long-term fostering is your calling. Most importantly, follow your instincts as you consider this life-changing, highly commendable commitment.
Nabamita Sinha loves to write about lifestyle and pop-culture. In her free time she loves to watch movies and TV series and experiment with food. Her favourite niche topics are fashion, lifestyle, travel and gossip content. Her style of writing is creative and quirky.
Emigrating to Australia can be exciting and daunting at the same time. There are a lot of horror stories about emigrating out there, but if you know the right steps to take you could avoid some of the major issues. Of course, if you are nervous about your move, it is recommended that you hire a solicitor or registered migration agent to help you.
Determine The Visa You Need:
When emigrating from the UK, you need to determine the visa you are going to need. Emigration to Australia is run on a score-based system with various factors influencing your score.
If you are moving without a job offer from an Australian company, you will need to get an independent immigrating visa. To qualify for this visa you will need to be under the age of 45, have an education that matches the list of skilled occupations, provide the professional experience of this and have a firm knowledge of the English language. Preference is given to people with Australian education or those in occupations that are in demand in the country.
If you have family in Australia, you can emigrate through the sponsorship program. When this program is used, the score you need to emigrate will be lowered. Sponsorship will not provide you with a permanent right to live in the country. You will need to get a temporary visa for 3 years followed by a permanent visa for 2 years.
If you have a job offer from an Australian company, you will be emigrating through company sponsorship. You will need to meet many of the same criteria as an independent visa applicant, but it will generally be easier to get this visa. If the company is based outside of the major cities, requirements will generally be less stringent.
Allow Enough Time For The Visa Application:
Emigration visas take time to be processed and it is recommended that you apply for this at least 18 months before your planned moving date. There are some visas that can take up to 2 years to be granted and you need to be aware of this.
Prepare Everything For The Move:
While you wait for your visa, you should prepare everything for the move. Clear out everything in your house that you will not want to take with you. Shipping your possessions to Australia can be expensive and will have to be done by ship. The less you have to send, the easier and cheaper it will be.
If you have children, you need to tell their school about your planned move. This is important because you will need transcripts. Additionally, the school year in Australia runs from January to December and the 6-month difference will need to be planned for.
Something that you might want to consider doing before you leave the UK is opening an Australian bank account. This is something that you can take care of once you are in the country but doing this beforehand can make life a bit easier. There are a number of banks that allow you to do this and they each have their own requirements.
Read Also:
7 Helpful Tips During An Emergency Moving Process
Construction Plans In Australia
The Five Most Important Things To Know Before Moving
Moving House? Here’s The Ultimate Checklist
Are you searching for some of the best Fathers Day gift ideas for this year? If yes, then you have reached the right place!
As we all know, 18 June 2023 is Father’s Day. And that means there is very little time to pan something. And if you are still looking for ideas to get your daddy dearest something this year, then you have a friend in me!
Keep reading this article till the end to learn about the best and most unique father’s day gift ideas that you can try this year!
Fathers Day Gift Ideas: Thoughtful And Unique Ideas!
Father's Day is a special day dedicated to honoring and celebrating fathers and father figures. It is a time to show appreciation, love, and gratitude for the contributions and sacrifices that fathers make in the lives of their children and families.
And if that is what you are trying to do and are looking for some of the best gift ideas for Father's Day this year, then you will find this blog to be of help. In this article, I have listed down the top 25 best gift ideas for Father’s day. So, without further ado, let us get right into it!
1. Personalized Engraved Watch
The first on the list of the best Fathers Day gift ideas is getting your daddy dearest a personalized watch. You can engrave a message, a specific date, or even a name on the watch, giving it a special meaning and personalized touch.
2. Portable Grill Set
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If your father is into cooking and has a great knack for the outdoors, then getting him a portable grill set is the ideal gift this Father’s Day. make him know that you love what he loves, that you care for what he loves, that you respect his passion. And to be fair, this is a win-win situation if you like to eat what your dad cooks!
3. Bluetooth Speaker
The next thing that you can give your father on Fathers Day is a Bluetooth speaker. The world is changing. Technology is evolving at a very fast pace. So why not move ahead with it? Getting him a Bluetooth speaker will help him put on some music and stay groovy!
4. Leather Wallet
Now this one never gets old! Legend says that a man can never have too many wallets. Get your old man a great quality leather wallet. Make sure that all the things that he needs are able to fit inside the wallet, including his cards and all the extra thing that he likes to carry around.
5. Craft Beer Brewing Kit
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Making beer at home is a popular hobby for many aged men who are in their 40’s. If your father is into beers, then it is a great idea to get him a craft beer brewing kit this year. There are several options available online, so check them out before it is time!
6. Smart Home Device
As I have already said, technology is evolving at a massive speed. Thus, to make it turn into your assistance, it is a great idea to get his house all smart! The best thing that you can do is to get him several smart home devices like Google Nest and Amazon Echo.
7. Fitness Tracker Or Smartwatch
Whether your papa is into fitness, or you are trying to get him into it to make him healthy, it is a good cause. So, why not try to make it even better with a fitness tracker. These are extremely helpful and come in a variety of price ranges.
8. BBQ Tool Set
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Similar to the already-stated grill set, which is portable, this one is a BBQ tool set. It is ideal for those men who like to cook their hearts out and take center stage in family gatherings because of their culinary skills, these sets come with literally each and every item that you are searching for.
9. Personalized Photo Album Or Frame
We all like to take a look back, and walk down memory lane— don’t we? So, how amazing f a gift will it be for your father to give him a customized photo frame with all the memories that you have made together? That is exactly what you need to do this Father’s Day. And, it is easy on the budget too!
10. Whiskey Stones Or Glasses Set
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If your father likes to have a drink or two, it is a great idea to give him a whiskey stone or a glass set. This will not only make you two become better friends but also make him understand that you are not a little child anymore (you get what I mean?)
11. Drone With Camera
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Well, this one is the next on the best fathers day gift ideas and another addition to the list of the best father’s day gifts that is related to the evolving technology. Drones are nothing new anymore. But if your father does not have it yet and likes to capture great aerial views, maybe it is a great idea to give him this one!
12. Golf Accessories
Is your father into sports? And specifically the most sophisticated of them all— gift? If yes, then it will be thoughtful of you to get him all the golf accessories. These sets include golf balls, Rangefinder, as well as a club set. You can also buy them separately and club them into one!
13. Portable Power Bank
This one might be nothing new for you, but maybe your dad needs one. Having a portable charger is nothing less than a blessing these days. Get him one that can charge almost all kinds of gadgets, from phones to laptops.
14. Customized Grilling Apron
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Does your father already have a grilling set? No worries, maybe you can get him a customized apron for the same. Write anything on it, whatever you like to call your father, or a line from a song that he likes the most. Trust me when I say this— he will be happy each time he puts it on!
15. Wireless Headphones
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Wireless headphones are the talk of the town for some time now. And if you think your father does not have it yet, then it is time for you to get him one of these. There are a number of great headphones that are available online. Check the specifications and read the review before you buy one!
16. Camping Gear
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If your father is someone who loves camping every now and then, it is a great idea if you get him camping gear this year. There should be almost everything in it that he will need for a great camping experience. These gears can include a sleeping bag, a tent, and even a camping stove.
17. Virtual Reality Headset
There is yet another addition to the technological gift ideas for your father this year. You must have heard about the VR headset that is going viral these days. Well, what better way to help your dad take a step into this world of Virtual reality than gifting him a VR headset. But be careful as you might fall in love with one too!
18. Premium Coffee Maker
Do you and your father love coffee? If yes, then giving him a premium coffee maker this year on father’s day is not a bad idea at all! There are tons of these available online. So just go through them and get ready for a steaming mug of coffee.
19. Personalized Cufflinks
Cufflinks are not only something of the past. These are still worn and styled as needed. Give your father a handcrafted and customized pair of cufflinks this year. You can carve anything on it, from a quote to a date that is dear to both of you! Trust me, he will love it.
20. Outdoor Hammock
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What a great way it is to spend the evening sipping a cup of tea on the back porch resting on your hammock. Well if that is something that you think your father would like, then it is a great way to turn this thought into a reality. Get him some of the best and most durable outdoor hammocks this father’s day.
21. Engraved Flask
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Engraving and customizing items that you think will make your father happy is never a bad idea. And this is something that you can do even on a flask. If your father likes to carry a flask around wherever he leaves the house, get him a customized flask. You can also engrave a picture of the two of you to make it extra special.
22. Bluetooth Earbuds
Does he like to listen to music? Is it a hassle for him to manage and detangle the earphones everytime? If so, then help him get rid of it by giving him bluetooth earbuds. These are not only easy to carry, but also extremely efficient.
23. Customized Puzzle With A Family Photo
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The next one on the list of the best father’s day gift ideas this year is getting him a customized puzzle set where he has to solve the puzzle and make the family photo complete. If he likes to do things that are challenging, then he is bound to like this!
24. Fishing Gear
Does your father like to go fishing every now and then? If yes, then it might be a great idea to give him fishing gear. This set should have all the essential items that one needs when they go fishing, like a fishing rod, a tackle box, and other fishing accessories.
25. Relaxation Gift Set
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Last but not the least on the list of the best fathers day gift ideas is a relaxation gift set. Your father, like all other dads around the world, goes through a lot of problems that he keeps to himself most of the time. He tries to act tough so that we can feel safe and protected. It is a great idea to give him some time when he can feel relaxed as well. And that is the reason why I have kept the best for the last! Plan a spa day for him, make him destress, make him relax, and make this day all about him!
Things To Do With Your Father On Father’s Day!
If you are searching for some of the best things that you can do with your father on this special occasion, then there is a list for that too!
There are many meaningful activities you can do with your father on Father's Day to celebrate and spend quality time together. Here are some ideas:
1. Cook Or Prepare A Special Meal Together
Plan a menu and cook your father's favorite dishes together. It's a great opportunity to bond and create memories in the kitchen.
2. Have A Picnic
Pack a delicious lunch or snacks, grab a blanket, and head to a nearby park or a scenic outdoor spot for a relaxed picnic. Enjoy the fresh air and each other's company.
3. Take A Hike Or Nature Walk
Explore the great outdoors by going on a hike or nature walk together. Choose a trail that suits your father's fitness level and enjoy the beauty of nature while engaging in conversation.
4. Play Sports Or Games
If your father enjoys sports, organize a friendly match of his favorite game, such as basketball, soccer, or golf. Alternatively, play board games or card games indoors for some fun and laughter.
5. Watch A Movie Or Binge-Watch A TV Series
Spend a cozy day at home watching your father's favorite movies or TV shows. Prepare some popcorn, snacks, and drinks to make it a full-on movie night experience.
6. Visit A Museum Or Exhibition
If your father has an interest in art, history, or science, take him to a museum or exhibition that aligns with his interests. It can be a fascinating and educational outing.
7. Plan A DIY Project
Engage in a do-it-yourself project together, such as building a piece of furniture, working on a home improvement task, or even starting a garden. It allows you to bond while accomplishing something tangible.
8. Go Fishing
If your father enjoys fishing, plan a fishing trip together. Spend the day by the water, enjoying the tranquility and trying to catch some fish. It's a relaxing and peaceful activity that allows for conversation and reflection.
9. Take A Road Trip
Plan a mini road trip to a nearby town or city that your father has always wanted to visit. Explore new places, try local cuisine, and enjoy the adventure of traveling together.
10. Share Stories And Memories
Take the time to sit down with your father and have meaningful conversations. Ask him about his life experiences, childhood memories, and any advice he may have. It's an opportunity to strengthen your bond and learn from his wisdom.
Remember, the most important thing is to spend quality time together and show your love and appreciation for your father on Father's Day. Choose activities that align with his interests and preferences to make the day truly special.
Wrapping It Up!
Remember, there is no better gift on father’s day than sheer love and respect that can make your papa feel all blessed and happy. However, it is never a bad idea to really make more effort and give him something that he will cherish.
In case you were looking for some of the best fathers day gift ideas, I hope that this blog has been of help to you. If there are any other queries related to the blog, please feel free to reach out. Scroll down till you reach the comment box at the bottom of the page. Then leave your queries and suggestions there. And I will be there to answer them all for you!
More Resources:
10 Things to Do Before You Move Out of State
8 Things Every Parent Should Do To Keep Kids Safe Online
7 Of The Most Funny, Geeky & Cool Star Wars Gifts For Him
Relocating to a new state can be a lot of things—crazy, exciting, and stressful, to name a few. The good news is that with a little intentionality, you can mold your move into a positive, enjoyable life transition. Here are ten tips to consider before you pack your bags.
1. Make a bucket list:
Life is busy. Chances are, there are places to see, food to eat, and things to do in your current state that you never got around to seeing, eating, or doing. Make a bucket list of a few of the things you think you’d regret if you moved away without experiencing. And then, make plans to make it happen.
2. Plan to say goodbye:
Moving is stressful, and it can be easy to get up in the frenzy of your to-do list. But, to have a healthy sense of closure and positive feelings when you look back on a period in your life, it’s essential to make an effort to wrap things up well. And, relationships are the most crucial piece of the wrap-up puzzle. In addition to great friends, you’ve developed relationships with all kinds of others—e.g., your neighbors, your children’s teachers, and your yoga instructor. Make a list of these folks, and plan to say goodbye. A handwritten note might suit your style, or perhaps you’d prefer to throw a colossal bbq and invite everyone. Whatever feels right to you is the best way to say goodbye and honor the people who have played a part in your experience.
3. Make a list of wrap-up logistics:
The best way to get your head around a million moving logistics is to make a good old-fashioned list. There are a million moving checklists online to get you started. Then, you can open a notebook or your laptop and make your custom list. We recommend a master task list with deadlines to keep you on track toward your big move.
4. Make moving arrangements:
When are you leaving? Where are you going? How will you get your stuff there? These seem like obvious questions, but we recommend sitting down and thinking through every detail. Once you have your plan on paper (or screen), the actual moving will feel much less daunting.
5. Clutter clear:
Moving states is not just a geographical location change; it’s a significant life transition. And, an excellent opportunity to assess the stuff you have and decide what you want to keep and what to leave behind. A good question to ask yourself when you look at an item in your house is, “Do I want to carry this into the future? Or, do I want to leave it in the past.” If your answer is yes to the former, pack it up. If it’s yes to the latter, donate it before you go.
6. Plan to make some changes:
In addition to this time being an excellent opportunity to clutter clear your physical space, it’s also a time to make any necessary changes to your lifestyle. Think about any bad habits you want to “leave behind” and new ones that you want to have with you when you arrive at your new home. Relocating to a new state is a rare fresh start. It can give you an opportunity to reinvent yourself, and if you want to make the change even more seriously, you could even change your name. If you're relocating to California, there are services that allow you to legally change your name with no problems. However, you should do research on the laws of your state before undergoing this kind of process.
7. Learn about your soon-to-be new home:
It can be fun to start learning about your new city early, so you can hit the ground running when you arrive. Think about what’s most important to your lifestyle and virtually explore the offerings near your new home. Whether you’re typing the words “Brisbane best butcher” or “hot yoga in Denver” into the search bar, you’ll be on your way to finding cool new spots to frequent in your new digs.
8. Make a new bucket list:
Earlier, we mentioned that many of us get busy and forget to partake in all the unique experiences offered by a particular city or state. Avoid that by starting your bucket list early! Every time you get a restaurant suggestion or learn about a historical landmark that’s a must-visit, write it down! Then, you can refer back and never feel short of cool things to do.
9. Experience the honeymoon:
Much like with new relationships, many of us experience a “honeymoon” period when we move to a new place. The possibilities are endless, and the future is bright. New experiences are making new chemicals flow, and you feel good. Plan to take advantage of this good energy and explore your surroundings. You’ll be setting a beautiful foundation for your time in your new city.
10. Remember to enjoy the ride:
Above all, enjoy! Moving out of state marks an exciting time in your life—take full advantage of it.
Read Also:
The Five Most Important Things To Know Before Moving
Make Your Vacation Less Stressful With The Following Tricks
The Ultimate Moving Checklist – Things You Need To Do When Moving
