Long term foster care

We are committed to securing long-term fostering opportunities through foster care or adoption, for children who are unable to live with their parents or extended family. Long-term foster care aims to make sure that children who cannot return home for whatever reason are placed with foster carers who will offer a stable and secure home life throughout their childhood and adolescent years, with ongoing support into adulthood. Many foster carers find that this is an option later on in their fostering life and are able to provide consistency for a young person when they have experienced some of the challenges of short-term foster care.

What will I need to do?

When caring for a child on a long-term basis, you will need to:

• Show you have the commitment and ability to really listen to and accept a child.
• Encourage and support them to access education and extra-curricular opportunities.
• Offer a safe and caring environment for a child and help them maintain a relationship with their family.
• Recognise that behaviour is a form of communication and adapt the way you parent accordingly.
• Help a child to come to terms with what they've experienced in the past.
• Support young people to develop their independence and prepare them for adult life.
• Engage your family and friends in welcoming a child into your family life.
• Work with a core group of professionals who will support you to care for the child effectively.
• Commit to developing your own knowledge and attend training.

What support will I receive?

As a foster carer, you will receive:

• Excellent training and an opportunity to undertake a QCF Diploma for the Children’s Workforce after a qualifying period.
• Above national average financial allowances.
• Opportunities to progress to receive up to £246.05 on top of the child’s weekly allowances.
• Support from a committed Fostering Social Worker and other social care professionals who will be there to help and offer advice.
• Opportunities for peer support and networking.
• Support from our in-house psychologist.
• Access to 24-hour support via the foster care support line and emergency duty team.