Fostering in Kent
Kent County Council is one of England's largest authorities and needs hundreds more foster carers. Kent is also the main arrival point for UASC in the UK, creating acute need for specialist carers.
Kent receives more UASC arrivals than any other UK authority. Specialist UASC foster carers in Kent are among the most urgently needed foster carers in the country.
What Fostering Looks Like in Kent
Kent has a unique fostering challenge: as the primary UK entry point for cross-Channel arrivals, the county receives more Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children (UASC) than any other authority in England. This has led to sustained pressure on its fostering capacity and repeated national attention. Kent has lobbied successfully for national cost-sharing for UASC, but the local need for specialist carers remains critical. The county also has significant general fostering demand across its 12 district councils.
Types of Fostering Available in Kent
Local Authority Fostering Contacts
Contact your local authority directly, or read our guide on LA vs IFA fostering before deciding.
| Local Authority | Phone | Website |
|---|---|---|
| Kent County Council | 03000 410006 | kent.gov.uk/fostering |
| Medway Council | 01634 334466 | medway.gov.uk/fostering |
How Much Do Foster Carers Earn in Kent?
Most LAs pay a weekly allowance only. A small number pay an additional professional fee for experienced carers.
IFAs pay a weekly allowance plus a professional fee. Most IFA carers pay zero income tax thanks to HMRC’s Qualifying Care Relief.
Want to understand these figures in more detail? Read our complete foster carer pay guide or our tax guide for foster carers.
Frequently Asked Questions — Fostering in Kent
Why does Kent need so many UASC foster carers?
Kent is the primary UK arrival point for cross-Channel small boat crossings. Unaccompanied minors who arrive must be placed immediately in local care — creating enormous and unpredictable demand.
Are UASC placements in Kent well-supported?
Kent County Council has built specialist teams and partnerships for UASC support, including interpreter services, immigration legal support, and specialist UASC training for foster carers.
Ready to Start Fostering in Kent?
The next step is to speak with an agency or your local authority. Most fostering enquiries take just 10 minutes and carry no obligation.