Permanent Fostering

Permanent fostering is another option, along with adoption, to offer long term care for a child. The decision to permanently foster rather than adopt is usually made because the child is older and may have links with birth family members.

The difference between permanent fostering and adoption are:

• The care and commitment given to the children may be the same, the legal basis is different. 
• Children who are permanently adopted have a Permanence Order. Foster carers may have some parental rights and responsibilities for a child.
• Foster carers receive financial assistance to cover the costs of caring for a child.

As a foster carer, you will be assigned a link worker and required to attend training from the Fostering & Adoption Team.