We are committed to providing high quality foster care for children in Kent. This means that we provide the best training and support to our foster carers to make sure that our standards of care are met.
Induction
As a new foster carer, your induction programme will last for your first year with us. During your induction, you will meet members of our team and other foster carers. You will also find out about the ongoing training and development opportunities available to you.
Meet your mentor
You will be paired up with an experienced foster carer who will be there to support you through your first months as a foster carer.
Personal development
You will be allocated a fostering social worker who will work with you to put together a personal development plan for the year, which will be unique to you. Your development plan will be reviewed annually as part of your foster carer review.
Round the clock support
We provide 24-hour support to Kent foster carers through our fostering support teams and county out of hours service. You can be reassured that we will always be there when you need us.
Support groups
Our new foster carers have their own support groups for the first year but you are also welcome to attend any of the other support groups that we run. Support groups are an ideal place for carers to share experiences, discuss good practice and learn from each other. There are also specific support groups available for birth children of families who foster.
Specialist support
As well as a fostering social worker supporting you with children in placement, we offer a sense of belonging service with a psychologist from our Placement Stability Team to support children in care and foster families.
Sessional workers are also engaged to help you to manage complex situations.
The voice of foster carers
We offer clear opportunities to our foster carers to have a real voice in shaping the service and the type of support that is offered by becoming one of our ambassadors, or a representative on our Foster Carers’ Advisory Board.
Additional support
Kent Foster Carers Association (KFCA)
Kent Foster Carers Association (KFCA) is a registered charity that works closely with us to provide support to foster carers in Kent and the children in their care. KFCA aims to promote the professionalism of foster carers in the significant role they play in managing the care of children and young adults.
Kent Cares Town
Kent Cares Town is a website for children and young people who are or have been in our care. It includes podcasts, videos and information about training and workshops. We are really proud of the close working relationship we have with our young people, particularly the ‘participation days’ that are run for foster children and only accessible if you foster for Kent.
Kent Rewards
Once approved to foster for Kent, you will be able to access exclusive offers and discounts at a wide range of retail outlets, restaurants, holidays companies and more.