Request holiday
As a foster carer, you are entitled to up to at least 14 nights paid holiday per year for each child in placement. Skilled and advanced level carers are entitled to 16 nights paid holiday per child.
You can take this as one holiday, or several smaller holidays, using a relief carer or a respite carer. You'll need to provide details of the carer in your holiday request.
Relief carers
Relief carers are a family member or friend of yours who knows the child well. They need to be assessed and we need agree that they can look after the child for short periods of time.
If you'd like to nominate a new relief carer, speak to your fostering social worker.
Respite carers
Respite carers are other foster carers who take care of your foster child on a short-term basis to give you a break.
For full information read the Kent Fostering Breaks Policy​ (PDF, 293.9 KB).
Request holiday
You should submit a request at least 4 weeks before you would like to take leave.
We're working on a new way to submit your leave requests which will make the process more secure, efficient and accessible to everyone. If you'd like to try the new version, request a holiday below. It's a new service, so please send us your feedback using the link in the form.
We will still accept requests on the old form (a Word document) until the new one has been fully developed.
Choosing not to take a break
If you do not want to take the 2 week holiday entitlement, you can claim your holiday allowance as a one-off payment to use towards the cost of a family holiday. Speak to your fostering social worker if you'd like to submit a claim.