Step Forward Foster Carer – Folkestone & Surrounding Areas
Transform a Child’s Future with Your Experience
Location: Folkestone & surrounding areas
Employer: Sanctuary Personnel (in partnership with Plymouth City Council)
Salary: From £840 per week (when a child is placed)
Sanctuary Personnel is currently recruiting dedicated and compassionate individuals in Folkestone and the surrounding areas to become Step Forward Foster Carers. This specialist opportunity allows you to provide a safe, stable home for a young person transitioning from residential care into a family setting.
Through the Step Forward programme, you will welcome a child into your home and support them in building trust, stability, and independence. You will remain based in your own home while receiving full training, ongoing professional support, and guidance from an experienced fostering team.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply, you must:
- Be aged 21 or over
- Have a spare, dedicated bedroom
- Have professional experience supporting children, young people, or vulnerable adults
- Be a British citizen or hold Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK
Please note:
We are unable to accept applications from individuals with temporary or time-limited visas, including:
- EU Settled or Pre-Settled Status
- Graduate visas
- Skilled Worker visas
- Student visas
- Health & Care Worker visas
- Spouse visas
- Any other temporary visa
Fostering in the UK requires permanent residency status. Applications that do not meet these requirements cannot be progressed.
About the Role
This role is well-suited to individuals with a background in healthcare, social care, residential care, mental health services, or community support who are looking to make a more meaningful impact.
As a Step Forward Foster Carer, you will:
- Provide a safe, nurturing, and structured home environment
- Support a young person transitioning from residential care
- Help develop emotional resilience, independence, and life skills
- Work collaboratively with social workers and a wider professional network
This is a unique opportunity to combine your professional skills with a highly rewarding role that makes a lasting difference.
What You’ll Receive
- From £840 per week (when a child is placed)
- Additional financial support for birthdays, holidays, and special occasions
- Council Tax exemption (subject to eligibility)
- Up to 28 nights of paid respite per year
- Specialist training in trauma-informed and therapeutic care
- 24/7 support and a dedicated social work team
- Access to the Mockingbird Fostering Model and The Fostering Network
- Ongoing training and professional development
Who We’re Looking For
We are looking for individuals who are:
- Based in Folkestone or nearby areas
- Able to provide full-time care in a stable home environment
- Experienced in supporting children with emotional or behavioural needs
- Patient, resilient, and reflective
- Willing to work on a self-employed basis
- Ideally without children under 12 at home (considered on a case-by-case basis)
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you’re ready to use your experience in a more meaningful way and help transform a young person’s life, this could be the opportunity you’ve been looking for.
Apply today to speak with our team and begin your journey as a Step Forward Foster Carer in Folkestone.
INDFSFOLK
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £840.00 per week
Application question(s):
- Have you currently or previously been a Foster Carer or Kinship Carer?
- Do you have the right to work in the UK, either as a British Passport holder or with Indefinite Leave to Remain? (This is Mandatory)
- Do you have an unoccupied spare bedroom in your home for fostering? (This is mandatory and can't be negotiated)
- To foster in the UK, applicants must be at least 21 years old. Are you 21 or over? (Minimum age to meet Fostering requirements)
- Have you got professional experience of working with children and young people, and/or vulnerable adults?
Licence/Certification:
- permanent residence in the UK (required)
Work Location: In person
