Long-term fostering
When children are unable to return to their birth families and adoption is not an option, we identify a long term placement to provide them with a permanent home. This is a planned placement where they can grow up in a safe and secure environment, forming lifelong relationships.
They would move to a local school so they can form friendships in the area where they are living.
However, they will still maintain relationships with key people in their lives, such as family members.
As children grow older, a key role in long term fostering is supporting them to achieve and succeed as well as preparing them for adult life.
To support the transition to adult life, there is a provision under the 'Staying Put' scheme for young people to stay with their foster carer beyond age 18, until age 21 or 25 if still in education.