What is long-term fostering?

Long-term fostering (or permanent foster care) means the foster family will care for the child or young person until they reach adulthood. The difference between long-term foster care and adoption is that with foster care, the foster family will never have full legal responsibility for the child. Instead, legal responsibility for the child remains with the local authority. 

Who is it for?

Long-term foster care is for children and young people who cannot return to their birth family and adoption is not possible.

Why is it needed?

Some children and young people are unable to live with their birth parents or other members of their extended family and need a long-term home where they are safe and nurtured. They may continue to have a relationship with their birth family while living with their foster family and making choices about their lives. 

Why do it?

Long-term foster care is an extremely rewarding role for the foster family as it allows you to have a long-lasting impact on the life of a child which will help them flourish. This relationship can endure into adulthood. Foster carers may also build a positive relationship with the child’s birth family.