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 to 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, 223.6 KB).

Request holiday

You should submit a request at least 6 weeks before you would like to take a break, but the more notice the better.

Please contact your support team for a holiday request form.

Choosing not to take a break

If you do not want to take the 14 – 16 night holiday allowance, you can claim this as a one-off payment to use towards the cost of a family holiday with the children in your care.

Speak to your support team if you'd like to submit a claim.