Fostering in Dover: Allowances, Agencies and How to Apply

Thinking about fostering in Dover? You’re in the right place. This guide walks you through how fostering works locally, what you can expect to be paid, the agencies that operate in and around Dover, and a clear step-by-step application process. We’ll also touch on training, support, tax relief, and where to find official information.

Why Dover (and wider Kent) needs more foster carers

Like most of England, Kent faces ongoing demand for safe, stable foster homes—particularly for sibling groups, teenagers, and children who need therapeutic support. Kent County Council (KCC) and several independent fostering agencies (IFAs) recruit across East Kent, including Dover, Deal, Sandwich, and surrounding villages, and they offer structured training, 24/7 support, and competitive payments. Public data and sector reports show councils continue to work hard to grow local capacity, which is why new applicants in Dover are especially welcome.

Fostering allowances and fees in Dover (2025/26)

When people ask “how much do foster carers get paid in Dover?” they’re really asking about two components:

1. Maintenance allowance – money intended to cover the child’s day-to-day costs (food, clothing, transport, activities, etc.).
2. Foster carer fee (reward/skill payment) – a professional fee recognising your time, skills, and responsibilities.

Kent County Council publishes its approach to maintenance and reward payments, and sets out higher rates for more specialised arrangements (for example, Parent & Child placements). Their fostering payments page makes clear that, depending on the placement type, totals can be substantial—particularly for specialist schemes—because you receive the allowance plus the carer fee.

KCC’s proposed 2025/26 payment policy brings all rates into a single document to support recruitment and retention—useful for checking what applies to different ages and schemes. You’ll see the distinction between standard allowances and additional fee levels for experience, training or specialist roles. If you’re comparing options, always read both the maintenance and reward elements together.

Nationally, the government publishes minimum weekly fostering allowance figures each April (by age band and nation). Local authorities and IFAs may top up above these minimums. Checking both national baselines and Kent’s own schedule will give you a realistic picture of what you’ll receive in Dover.

Tip: When comparing agencies, ask for a written breakdown of maintenance vs. fee, what’s included (e.g., birthdays, holidays, mileage), and when extras (e.g., clothing grants or equipment) are paid. KCC committee papers and policy summaries often show how yearly percentage uplifts are applied across age bands—useful for planning.

Tax relief for foster carers (and what it means for take-home)

Most foster carers benefit from Qualifying Care Relief (QCR), a special HMRC scheme that lets you earn up to a set threshold from fostering tax-free, with an additional weekly amount per child based on age. You still register for Self Assessment, but many carers pay little or no income tax on fostering income because of QCR. Always read the latest HMRC helpsheet and keep good records of placements and dates.

Agencies that cover Dover and East Kent

You have two broad routes:

1) Kent County Council Fostering (Local Authority)

KCC recruits directly across the county (including Dover) and provides training, a supervising social worker (SSW), support groups, and a structured fees framework. Their website lists how to apply, typical timescales, and what checks are involved (DBS, medicals, references, home study, training).

2) Independent Fostering Agencies (IFAs)

Several IFAs operate across Kent and the South East, including therapeutic specialists and agencies using the Mockingbird model. For example, National Fostering Group (Heath Farm) promotes an Ofsted “Outstanding” judgement for its regional service; Channels & Choices Therapeutic Fostering, based in Kent, provides a therapy-led model and has recent Ofsted reporting history. If you’re considering an IFA near Dover, look up the latest Ofsted report and ask each agency to explain their support, fees, training, respite, and matching approach.

Due diligence: Always verify current Ofsted judgements via the Ofsted website (search by organisation name). For council-wide performance context, you can also see Kent’s public Ofsted pages and SEND inspection updates.

How to apply to foster in Dover: step-by-step

Whether you apply to Kent County Council or an IFA, the broad steps are similar:

1. Enquiry
   Complete an online form or call the fostering team. In Kent, KCC provides an enquiry line and explains the process up-front. You’ll have an initial conversation covering your household, experience, and the kinds of placements you’re open to.
2. Initial home visit / screening
   A worker visits your home to discuss space (bedroom requirements), daily routines, work patterns, support network, pets, and your motivations for fostering. They’ll highlight essential health & safety adjustments and explain safer caring.
3. Training and assessment (Form F)
   You’ll attend Skills to Foster training and complete the Form F assessment. This includes DBS checks, medical, references, and structured interviews (often with your support network). Compiling a small portfolio (evidence of parenting/mentoring skills, routines, and reflections) will help. KCC notes a typical aim of up to 6 months from enquiry to approval, though it can vary with checks and availability.
4. Fostering panel and approval
   Your assessor’s report goes to a fostering panel. If approved, you’ll be linked with a Supervising Social Worker, start any additional training (e.g., therapeutic approaches), and get set up for placements.
5. Matching and first placement
   When a referral comes in for a child who fits your approval terms, your agency/LA will discuss the match. Ask about school, health, contact arrangements, risks, and what support is in place. Good matching is critical for stability—and you can say no if it isn’t right.

What kinds of fostering are in demand around Dover?

• Short-term (care proceedings, assessment periods)
• Long-term (permanence) for children who will grow up in foster care
• Emergency (same-day or overnight)
• Respite (short breaks)
• Parent & Child (assessment in a foster home)
• Therapeutic (trauma-informed care for children with higher support needs)

Local need shifts over time, but teenagers, siblings, and therapeutic placements are consistently sought across Kent. Specialist schemes often carry enhanced fee levels and additional training. Check the latest Kent schedule and talk to agencies about current priorities.

Training, support and supervision

You’ll receive:

• Pre-approval training (e.g., Skills to Foster) and ongoing CPD.
• A named Supervising Social Worker for regular visits, advice, and out-of-hours support.
• Support groups and peer networks—some agencies run Mockingbird constellations for extra wraparound support.

For children’s education, Kent’s Virtual School and your child’s designated teacher coordinate PEP (Personal Education Plan) meetings and interventions—especially helpful if there are transitions or attendance issues. (You’ll hear about this during matching.)

Bedroom, pets and home requirements (quick checks)

• Bedroom: Most children need their own bedroom (exceptions can apply for some sibling groups and age combinations; this is assessed case-by-case).
• Space & safety: Basic H&S, working smoke alarms, safe storage for medication/sharps, and pet risk assessment if applicable.
• Transport: A car helps for school runs and contact. Agencies will explain expectations and mileage claims.
• Work patterns: Fostering can be combined with employment if you have flexibility and a solid support network; discuss this early in the process.

(Your assessor will guide you on what’s essential vs. what’s “nice to have”.)

Choosing between Kent County Council and an IFA

Both routes can be excellent. Consider:

• Support model: size of local team, out-of-hours, respite, peer networks.
• Training & specialisms: therapeutic approaches, Mockingbird, Parent & Child.
• Allowances & fees: not just headline rates—look at what’s included (birthdays, holidays, clothing, equipment), how retainers/cancellations work, and uplift arrangements.
• Matching: local links to Dover schools, contact centres, and health services.

Use KCC’s public pages for a baseline and then compare two or three IFAs with strong Ofsted outcomes and a visible presence in East Kent.

Simple checklist to start fostering in Dover

1. Decide your route (KCC or IFA) and submit an enquiry.
2. Gather documents (ID, right to work/UK residency, landlord consent if renting).
3. Prepare the home (bedroom, H&S tweaks, pet info).
4. Line up references and a support network (family/friends who know you well).
5. Budget for onboarding (you won’t be out of pocket for caring, but initial training/home tweaks can take time).
6. Read up on tax (Qualifying Care Relief) and record-keeping.
7. Stay flexible on age/needs where you can—this often leads to quicker matching and more stable placements.

FAQs (Dover-focused)

How long does the assessment take in Kent?
Kent aims for up to six months from enquiry to approval, depending on checks and your availability for training/visits. IFAs follow similar timescales.

Do I get paid while I’m waiting for my first placement?
Generally you’re paid when a child is placed. Some agencies offer retainers in specific circumstances—ask during your comparisons. KCC’s payment policy explains the standard structure of maintenance + fee and when extras apply.

What about school if a child lives with me in Dover?
Matching tries to maintain school stability. You’ll work with the Virtual School and the child’s designated teacher to arrange transport or consider a transfer if necessary.

Can I foster if I rent in Dover?
Yes—landlord consent is required, and your assessor will check bedroom and safety requirements. Discuss tenancy details early in the process.

Is the allowance the same across agencies?
No. Everyone must at least meet national minimums, but KCC and IFAs set their own fee structures (often higher for specialist schemes). Always compare written breakdowns.

Will I pay tax on fostering income?
Most carers benefit from Qualifying Care Relief—many pay little or no income tax on fostering income (you must still do Self Assessment). Read HMRC’s current helpsheet.

Next steps for would-be foster carers in Dover

• Explore Kent County Council Fostering for local authority routes—read the How to apply page for what happens after you enquire.
• Shortlist two IFAs with strong Ofsted histories and an office/team covering East Kent; ask about training, respite, Mockingbird, and specialist schemes if you’re open to them.
• Compare payments carefully (maintenance vs fee; extras like birthdays, holidays, mileage; and policies on retainers/cancellations). Use Kent’s published payment policy as a reference for what’s typical locally.