Long-term fostering is a type of placement where a child or young person stays with a foster family for several years or until adulthood. Sometimes called permanent fostering, it’s chosen when returning to birth family or adoption isn’t the right option — and when a child needs the kind of consistency that builds trust over time.
This isn’t just a care arrangement. It’s a commitment to walk alongside a child through their ups and downs, helping them shape their identity, their self-worth, and their future.
Children and young people come into long-term care for many reasons. These could include:
In each case, what they need is simple: a dependable adult who sticks around.
Many children arrive in long-term care after experiencing early trauma, multiple placements, or a lack of consistent caregiving. What they often long for — even if they can’t always say it — is someone who says:
“I’m here for the long haul.”
As a long-term foster carer, you will:
And most importantly, you’ll show up with compassion, even when it’s tough — because these relationships often become some of the most transformative in a child’s life.
Being a long-term carer means becoming a core part of a child’s story. You’ll be the person they turn to for comfort, guidance, celebration, and reassurance.
Your role may include:
Many carers describe their foster children as “just part of the family” — because over time, that’s exactly what happens.
At Wholistic, we understand that long-term fostering involves a unique emotional investment. That’s why our approach is deeply rooted in therapeutic care — from day one.
We help you:
You’ll never be left to manage the highs and lows alone — our local team is by your side, consistently and compassionately.
Children in long-term foster care benefit from:
Foster carers experience:
A chance to watch someone grow into who they’re meant to be
We carefully match carers and children to set up long-term placements for success. From there, you’ll be fully supported by:
This is a partnership — we’ll invest in you, so you can invest in the child.
Long-term foster carers often say that watching a young person grow into themselves — supported, safe, and thriving — is one of the greatest joys they’ve known.
Some children stay until adulthood. Others stay in touch long after they’ve left, still calling for advice or Sunday dinner. It’s not just fostering. It’s family.
You might be a good fit if:
We’d love to explore the journey with you — and help you discover whether long-term fostering is the right path for your family.
