Thinking about Fostering?

On Friday 12th October we say a big thank to all of our foster carers as we celebrate International Foster Carer Appreciation Day.  Our carers do an incredible job looking after the children and young people in their care, and this day is the perfect opportunity to let them know how much they are appreciated.

Have you ever thought about becoming a foster parent? Fostering is different to raising your own children, so it’s important to understand the fostering process and what a foster placement can be like. There are also many different kinds of foster care to help you decide what option is best for you.

What are the different types of fostering?

  • Task Centred - Caring for children for a shorter  period. This might be for several nights in an emergency or for a longer time ( from 3 months to several years ) until there is a plan for them to return home or a permanent plan.
  • Permanent - You can provide a safe and loving home for a child and make a real difference. Some children can't go home, but for them adoption isn't possible. Permanent foster caring gives children love, stability and support from childhood to adolescence and beyond.
  • Parent and Child - Parent and child foster care involves placing a parent, who is experiencing difficulties, and their baby or young child in a foster home. The foster carer helps and encourages the parent to develop their childcare skills and contributes to assessing the parent’s potential to meet the child’s needs.
  • Disabled Children - The Disabled Children's Fostering Service recruits, trains and supports foster carers to meet the needs of disabled children. This can include autism, physical and learning difficulties and complex health needs. We need Foster Carers who can care for children either full time or to provide short break care for disabled children to help families take a much needed break from their daily routine.
  • 16+ - We want to recruit foster carers who can offer young people who are aged 16+, a loving home as well as emotional and practical support as they move towards becoming young adults. Foster carers who care for 16+ young people can continue to work, as long as they have the flexibility to attend training courses and meetings.

Could you be a foster carer?

Whether you are single, married or in a civil partnership, or have children of your own or not, we'd love to hear from you. We promote equal opportunities for all, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, ethnic background, age, religious beliefs, disability or marital status.

We are looking for people with:

  • energy and enthusiasm
  • patience
  • good communication skills
  • the time to care for a child (from regular weekends to full time)
  • a secure and stable home (you don't need to own your own home)
  • a spare bedroom

Why foster with KCC?

Carers often tell us that fostering is one of the most rewarding things they have ever done. If you have the energy and space in your life, we’d love you to join our team.

By joining the Kent Fostering family you will be joining the most experienced fostering service in the county. Our promise of support to you begins from the moment you start your fostering journey with us.  We will provide you with an excellent induction and regular training so you’ve got a great foundation to work from

Local support, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, whatever happens we are always at the end of the line to talk We place Kent children in Kent homes

What next?

Come along to one of our information events, there is no need to book, you can just come along. You will be able to talk to other foster carers about their experiences and find out more about the application process. Our fostering social workers will be on hand to answer any questions you might have and to tell you more about the support and training available.

Visit the Kent fostering website to discover more about fostering and request a call back.

Upcoming events

  • Saturday 13 October 10am-4pm - Kent Carers Career Fair, Detling Showground, Detling, ME14 3JF
  • Tuesday 8 November at 7pm - Temple Hill Community Centre, Temple Square, Dartford DA1 5HY
  • Wednesday 5 December at 7pm - Faversham Cricket Club, Selling Road, Faversham ME13 8XF

To get more of an insight into the world of fostering, Michelle and Teresa share their stories in our Foster Fortnight blog.
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