We Are Recruiting Foster Carers in and around East Sussex
South Coast Fostering is currently recruiting foster carers across East Sussex, including Brighton and Hove, Eastbourne, Hastings, Lewes, Bexhill and the surrounding towns and rural communities. Children and young people in East Sussex need safe, stable homes where they can remain close to their schools, friendships and support networks.
There is an ongoing need for more foster carers across the county. When children are placed outside of their local area due to a shortage of carers, it can create additional disruption at an already uncertain time. By fostering locally, you help children stay connected to their community and provide the consistency they need.
Everyone at South Coast Fostering is genuinely committed to supporting both foster carers and the children placed with them. We are guided by a clear purpose: to build positive aspirations in every child, carer and member of staff we work with. We believe that when carers feel supported, listened to and valued, children are more likely to experience stability and progress.
Fostering does not follow a nine-to-five schedule, and neither does our support. We provide 24/7 out-of-hours advice, ensuring that when challenges arise, you are never left to manage them alone. We remain alongside our carers, even when situations are complex or demanding.
As an independent fostering agency focused on Southern England, we offer personalised supervision, manageable social worker caseloads and clear communication. Our foster carers receive £479.50 per week for children aged 0–10 and £507.50 per week for children aged 11 and over, reflecting both the fostering allowance and the professional responsibility of the role.
If you live in East Sussex and are considering becoming a foster carer, an informal conversation is often the best place to begin. We are here to answer your questions honestly and help you explore whether fostering could be right for you.
Values that lead us
01
Doing the right thing, not the easy thing
If something is the right thing to do, then we will always do it, even if it is difficult.
02
Treat Carers As Professionals
We are shocked when we hear how poorly some foster carers have been treated by their fostering service. At SCF we always treat carers as professionals.
03
Family
We see ourselves as one big family. This means we have a deep underlying respect for each other.
04
Always be learning
We see everyday, and every incident as a chance to learn and develop. We help carers and staff reflect on how their actions affect others.
book a call about fostering:
We’d be happy to give you a 15-20 minute call to tell you about fostering. Don’t worry, there’s no pressure from us – it’s honestly a chance for you to ask us any questions you have about fostering, and your suitability. Just complete this short form
The Importance of Fostering
Fostering plays a vital role in supporting children and young people who are unable to live safely with their birth families. At its heart, fostering is about providing stability during a period of uncertainty. It ensures that children have somewhere secure to live, adults they can rely on, and the opportunity to continue their education and development within a caring environment.
When a child comes into care, it can be a confusing and emotional time. Familiar routines may have changed, and trust may need to be rebuilt. A foster carer provides the steady presence that helps restore a sense of normality. Simple, everyday experiences — shared meals, school runs, bedtime routines — begin to create the structure and reassurance children need.
Fostering also supports communities. When children can remain in their local area, close to their schools, friends and support networks, disruption is reduced. Local foster carers make it possible for children to stay connected to what is familiar, which can make a significant difference to their confidence and wellbeing.
Being a foster carer is both a caring and professional role. Carers work as part of a wider team that may include social workers, teachers and health professionals. They advocate for the child’s needs, support education and development, and contribute valuable insight into the child’s progress. It is a role that requires patience, resilience and commitment.
The impact of fostering is often seen in small but meaningful steps — improved school attendance, growing self-confidence, better sleep, stronger communication. These changes may seem gradual, but they are often the foundation for long-term stability and opportunity.
Foster carers do not change a child’s past, but they can help shape their future. By offering safety, consistency and encouragement, foster carers provide the conditions in which children can begin to build trust and believe in their own potential.
Who we Work With
How can you help?
The following are a few ways in which you can help us, and children in your local community.
Talk to your friends about fostering
If you can’t foster yourself you could talk to your friends and family to see if they can. We will actually reward you for anyone that becomes an approved carer for us.
Give a helping hand to a care leaver
Care leavers might need a helping hand, we have some ideas about how to help