Long Term Fostering Real Stories
Long Term Fostering Real Stories
Long Term Fostering Real Stories
Long term fostering, or permanency, requires a special type of dedication and commitment. We work hard to make good matches between children and families. Matching is like finding the right puzzle pieces. Every child is unique — with their own personality, background, experiences and needs. Every foster family is unique too — with different skills, routines and strengths.
Long term fostering, or permanency, requires a special type of dedication and commitment. We work hard to make good matches between children and families. Matching is like finding the right puzzle pieces. Every child is unique — with their own personality, background, experiences and needs. Every foster family is unique too — with different skills, routines and strengths.
Matching
Matching
How matching works
How matching works
How matching works
When a child first comes into care, everything can feel uncertain. They may arrive in a short-term placement somewhere safe while plans are made. Children slowly learn the rhythms of a household. They share celebrations, build memories and become part of the fabric of the home. They start to feel safe enough to trust, to grow, to dream and to be themselves. Sometimes short arrangements grow into long-term matches.
When a child first comes into care, everything can feel uncertain. They may arrive in a short-term placement somewhere safe while plans are made. Children slowly learn the rhythms of a household. They share celebrations, build memories and become part of the fabric of the home. They start to feel safe enough to trust, to grow, to dream and to be themselves. Sometimes short arrangements grow into long-term matches.
The goal
The goal
What permanency means
What permanency means
What permanency means
The goal is for a child to stay with a family for many years — often until adulthood. It’s about building a lasting relationship, not just meeting short-term needs.
The goal is for a child to stay with a family for many years — often until adulthood. It’s about building a lasting relationship, not just meeting short-term needs.
A long-term fostering story
A long-term fostering story
Real story
Real story
“She arrived with her older brother, in an emergency, just for the 6-week summer holiday. She was only 3 and tiny — but we knew she had arrived. She was like a tornado! The weeks turned into months, then a wonderful Christmas together. Her brother returned to live with his dad, and plans had to be made for this little bundle of love. Sometimes in fostering the decisions are easy. Being part of her life — not just for a chapter but for the whole story — was one of those easy decisions. Eight years later, I have never looked back.”
“She arrived with her older brother, in an emergency, just for the 6-week summer holiday. She was only 3 and tiny — but we knew she had arrived. She was like a tornado! The weeks turned into months, then a wonderful Christmas together. Her brother returned to live with his dad, and plans had to be made for this little bundle of love. Sometimes in fostering the decisions are easy. Being part of her life — not just for a chapter but for the whole story — was one of those easy decisions. Eight years later, I have never looked back.”
In practice
In practice
What long-term fostering involves
What long-term fostering involves
• Building trust over time through stability and routine • Supporting identity, life story and relationships (where safe) • Working closely with schools, social workers and professionals • Advocating for a child’s needs and celebrating progress • Staying committed through the ups and downs
• Building trust over time through stability and routine • Supporting identity, life story and relationships (where safe) • Working closely with schools, social workers and professionals • Advocating for a child’s needs and celebrating progress • Staying committed through the ups and downs
Next steps
Next steps
Could long-term fostering be right for you?
Could long-term fostering be right for you?
If you can offer a child a stable, loving home for the long term, we’d love to talk. Types of foster care: https://homefindingandfostering.co.uk/types-of-foster-care Get in touch Phone: 01622 765646 Email: duty@homefindingandfostering.co.uk Or use our contact form: https://homefindingandfostering.co.uk/contact-us
If you can offer a child a stable, loving home for the long term, we’d love to talk. Types of foster care: https://homefindingandfostering.co.uk/types-of-foster-care Get in touch Phone: 01622 765646 Email: duty@homefindingandfostering.co.uk Or use our contact form: https://homefindingandfostering.co.uk/contact-us
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Fostering
Support
Our Address
The Homefinding & Fostering Agency
Vinters Park
Maidstone
ME14 5NZ
© 2026 Homefinding & Fostering Agency.
Get stories, fostering advice, and news straight to your inbox
Sign up to hear from us once a month. No spam, just real support.
By signing up you agree to our terms and conditions and privacy policy
Fostering
Support
Our Address
The Homefinding & Fostering Agency
Vinters Park
Maidstone
ME14 5NZ
© 2026 Homefinding & Fostering Agency.