If a child is unable to return to the care of their birth family, but adoption is not appropriate for that child, long term foster carers may need to be found to care for them.

As the title suggests, these foster carers will normally care for a child for a longer period of time than a short term carer – often through to independence.

Children who need long term fostering are likely to be older children. These older children may benefit from keeping in regular contact with their brothers, sisters, parents and wider family.