Become a foster carer and transform the life of a child

With over 11,000 children in care across the South East but fewer than 3,000 local authority fostering families to care for them, there is an urgent need for more people to provide safe, loving, and local homes.

We need foster carers to open their homes to children and young people aged 0 to 18 who, for various reasons, cannot live with their birth families. This care could be temporary or longer-term, depending on individual circumstances. There are a range of different types of fostering to work for all families.

Becoming a foster carer and teaching a child a happy and healthy way of life is a life-changing role. It’s hugely worthwhile and rewarding, but the decision is a big commitment. It will likely affect your lifestyle and the lives of your household so, before you go into it, seriously think about what you can offer a child, how it will work for your family and ensure you have a strong support network.

Whether you are a leaseholder, or a council tenant, if you have a spare bedroom, you can apply to be a foster carer. As part of the assessment process, we will check with yourself and the housing team about your capacity to foster. If you would like more information about what this involves, please contact the Fostering Team for more information.

If you are approved as a foster carer, we’ll offer you support and advice every step of the way to help you in your role. Plus, you will receive financial assistance to spend on things the child will need such as clothes, food, activities, after school clubs and transport. You will also receive a foster carers’ payment to acknowledge the skills, training, time and commitment needed to look after the children in your care, plus extra money for birthdays and celebrations such as Christmas or Eid.

If you are interested and would like to find out more, check out the local authority South East website or get in touch by email or call 0300 131 2797 for a friendly chat about your circumstances.