Long-term fostering means caring for a child or young person for an extended period – often years, and sometimes right through to adulthood. It is also known as permanent foster care.
Unlike short-term fostering, where children are with you for a shorter time while plans are made, long-term fostering offers them a secure, stable home where they can settle, grow, and build lasting relationships.
You’ll become a consistent, trusted adult in their life – someone they can rely on for the long haul.
A child might be in long-term foster care for several reasons, such as being unable to return to their birth family due to:
When this happens, long-term fostering gives children the chance to rebuild their confidence, form healthy attachments, and feel part of a family again.
As a long-term foster carer, you’ll:
Many foster carers describe it as parenting – just with extra support.
Long-term fostering can be life-changing – for the child and for you. Some of the key benefits include:
It’s not always easy – but it is always worth it.
While long-term fostering and adoption both offer children a loving, stable home, there are some important differences:
Parental Rights
Ongoing Support
Legal vs. Emotional Commitment
Family Contact
We welcome carers from all kinds of backgrounds – there’s no single ‘type’ of foster carer. If you’re over 21, have a spare room, and can provide a safe, stable, and loving home, you can apply.
You might be:
If you’ve got the space in your heart (and your home), we’re ready to support you every step of the way.
Ready to Take the First Step?
Becoming a long-term foster carer is one of the most meaningful things you can do – and we’re here to help make it happen. At Family Works Fostering, we believe that children and young people thrive when they’re given stability, consistency, and love that lasts. It’s a long-term commitment, but one that can truly change a life. Maybe even two.
Yes. As a long-term foster carer, you’ll receive a weekly fostering allowance to help cover the costs of caring for a child. The amount depends on the child’s needs, your experience, and the length of the placement.
It varies. Some children stay for a year or two; others remain with their foster family until they reach adulthood or move into independence. It depends on what’s best for them.
At Family Works Fostering, we provide ongoing support, including:
– A dedicated supervising social worker
– 24/7 emergency support
– Training and development opportunities
– Peer support groups and networking events
– Respite care if needed
No. You don’t need to have raised children or worked in care before. What matters most is your commitment, patience, and willingness to learn.