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Long-Term Fostering in Kent

What is Long-Term Fostering?

Long-term fostering is about giving children and young people a permanent, loving home until adulthood. For children who cannot return to their birth families, long-term foster carers provide the consistency and belonging that every child deserves.

Long-term fostering means children stay with their foster family for several years, often until they turn 18 (and sometimes beyond, as part of “Staying Put” arrangements).
It offers children:

  • A secure and nurturing family environment

  • The chance to build lasting relationships

  • Stability throughout their education and teenage years

Unlike adoption, children in long-term fostering remain under the care of the local authority, but you become their family day-to-day.

 

What is Long-Term Fostering?

Long-term fostering means children stay with their foster family for several years, often until they turn 18 (and sometimes beyond, as part of “Staying Put” arrangements).
It offers children:

  • A secure and nurturing family environment

  • The chance to build lasting relationships

  • Stability throughout their education and teenage years

Unlike adoption, children in long-term fostering remain under the care of the local authority, but you become their family day-to-day.

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Who Can Become a Long-Term Foster Carer?

We welcome carers from all walks of life. To foster long-term, you’ll need to be ready to:

  • Commit to supporting a child through their milestones and challenges

  • Provide emotional stability, patience, and encouragement

  • Work alongside professionals to support the child’s wellbeing

If you can offer a spare bedroom, time, and resilience, you could change a child’s life for the long term.

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Support & Allowance

Long-term foster carers receive:

  • A competitive weekly fostering allowance

  • Ongoing specialist training

  • A dedicated supervising social worker

  • 24/7 support whenever you need it

See our full guide to Fostering Allowances & Pay

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Long-Term Fostering in Kent

At Homefinding & Fostering, we’re proud to support carers who can provide children in Kent with a safe, stable home. By choosing long-term fostering, you give children the security to grow up surrounded by care, support, and community.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Usually until the child reaches 18, although some young people remain with their foster carers beyond this age.

 

With long-term fostering, the local authority retains parental responsibility. With adoption, parental responsibility is transferred permanently to adoptive parents.

 

Yes — we provide ongoing training, peer support groups, and regular visits from your social worker to help you on your journey.

Client Testimonials

“M ( foster parent) has a unique way of making me feel safe and valued.  She listens to me without judgement and offers advice that always seems to come from a place of genuine care"

Foster Child, Ashford 2025

"Whether I am having a tough day or celebrating a success, she ( foster carer) is always there to support me”

Foster Child, Maidstone, 2025

“Fostering isnt easy, and being surrounded by people who care and understand foster carers is very important.  Their help and positive contributions are really appreicated.”

Foster carer, London 2025

“We have had a year full of fun, turbulence, laughter, sadness and have been supported extensively  with each stage”

Foster carer, Gillingham, 2025

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