What is Short-Term Fostering?

What is Short-Term Fostering?

Get in Touch

Short-Term Fostering in Kent

What is Short-Term Fostering?

Short-term fostering gives children a safe and supportive home for a few days, weeks, or months when they can’t live with their family. It’s one of the most common types of fostering in Kent and can be an ideal first step for new foster carers.

Short-term fostering placements are designed to give children stability during times of change. This might be while:

  • Care plans for the child are being made

  • Parents or family members are supported to make improvements at home

  • Long-term foster carers or adoptive families are found

The focus is on providing security, consistency, and care — helping a child feel safe until their next step is in place.

Who Can Become a Short-Term Foster Carer?

You don’t need to be married, own your home, or have children of your own to foster. What matters most is that you can offer:

  • A safe and supportive home environment

  • Time and patience to help children feel secure

  • Willingness to work with professionals and birth families

If you have a spare bedroom and space in your life to support a child, you could apply to become a short-term foster carer.

GET IN TOUCH

Support & Allowance

Short-term foster carers receive:

  • A weekly fostering allowance (to cover the costs of caring plus a reward for your role)

  • Full training before your first placement

  • 24/7 support from our team

  • A supervising social worker who’s with you every step

Learn more about Fostering Allowances & Pay

GET IN TOUCH

Short-Term Fostering in Kent

At Homefinding & Fostering, we work closely with Kent families to match children with the right carers. Many children needing short-term placements are from local communities, so your role makes a direct difference to families near you.

GET IN TOUCH

Frequently Asked Questions

Placements can range from just a few nights up to a couple of years, depending on the child’s care plan.

Yes — sometimes short-term carers go on to provide long-term stability if that’s best for the child and everyone agrees.

Yes — we’ll talk through your skills and preferences, and together decide what’s right for your household.

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

Get In Touch