Long term fostering placements, also known as permanent fostering, usually last until the child or young person has aged out of the foster care system and becomes a care leaver.
Long term fostering occurs when a foster child or young person is unable to return to their birth family and adoption may not be possible. Also known as permanent fostering, this type of long-term foster care placement will become part of a foster child’s care plan in these circumstances, and will usually last until the child or young person has reached adulthood and has aged out of the foster care system.
Long term fostering placements provide certain benefits for both foster parents and foster children. Some of these include:
All of this combines to create an incredibly positive outlook for those in long term placements, and creates an environment that fosters positive growth and development.
Some people see long term fostering placements as an alternative to becoming an adoptive parent – however, this shouldn’t be the case. So, what is the difference between long-term fostering or adoption?
Long term foster care allows the child or young person in care to remain in contact with their birth parents – if this is deemed suitable – from within a strong support system. While this may be very limited contact, it allows the familial relationship to remain during the long term placement -which may be helpful in their development.
Adoption, on the other hand, is a more permanent arrangement and causes legal separation from the birth family, with the adoptive parents assuming exclusive parental legal control. The adoptive parents would then become the child’s permanent family.
While in care children are the responsibility of the local authority but once adopted the adoptive parents are fully responsible. Foster carers will receive foster care allowance for the length of time they have a child in their care, once the adoption is finalised the allowance payments would stop. Read more about Fosters vs Adoption in our handy guide.
If you are currently a carer and have decided you want to become a long term foster carer, then you’ll be providing an essential fostering service. You’ll be making a real difference in the lives of children in care, while helping them to create a new life for themselves and develop as people.
As well as being able to enjoy the rewarding experience of helping a child grow into a successful adult, you’ll also be awarded a higher than normal long term fostering allowance. You’ll also be provided with specialist fostering training and support to ensure you have everything you need to provide an excellent service.
Once you express your interest in providing a more permanent foster care placement, your supervising social worker will compare your skills and experience with the children and young people in need of such care. If there is a match, your social worker will contact you to pass on the relevant information so that you can make the right decision for you and your family.
By becoming a long term foster parent with Excel Fostering, you’ll be changing the lives of children and young people in your local authority by becoming permanent family to children in need. All you need to become a foster parent is to be over 21 years of age, be in good health and have a spare bedroom in your home. Learn more about long term foster care requirements.
If you are not currently a foster parent and wish to apply to become a long term foster carer, or for any other types of foster care services we offer to local authorities in your area, then we’d love to hear from you. Get in touch with one of our expert team today and see how Excel Fostering can help you begin your fostering journey.
If you’ve got any questions or would like to find out more about fostering with Excel Fostering, fill out the form below.
An experienced fostering advisor from your local area will then be in touch.
Start the conversation today. Our team of friendly advisors are on hand to answer any foster care questions you may have. We can offer you honest and practical advice that can help you decide if becoming a foster carer is the right path for you.
