Foster Agency Medway Kent Essex
Could you change a child’s future?
Foster with The Hazel Project.
The Hazel Project brings together Diverse Care and Xcel 2000, two independent fostering organisations rated Outstanding by Ofsted at their latest inspections in 2025.
We support foster families across Kent, Medway, Essex and surrounding areas with training, supervision, 24/7 out-of-hours support and specialist services.
Who is The Hazel Project?
The Hazel Project is the partnership through which Diverse Care and Xcel 2000 work together. Both are rated Outstanding by Ofsted at their latest inspections in 2025.
Both are registered fostering organisations in their own right. When you enquire about fostering, we’ll explain which organisation your application will be with and who will be responsible for your assessment, approval and ongoing support.
Where every child can thrive.
Our mission is to give children in care the best possible experiences within nurturing family environments. Above all, we want every child to thrive and reach their full potential.
Our compassionate, experienced team provides foster families with comprehensive support and resources. As a result, they can make a real and lasting difference to the children in their care.
Request a brochure
Choosing the right fostering organisation can feel confusing. That’s why we’ve created our “Introduction to Fostering” brochure. It gives you a general overview of fostering and introduces you to The Hazel Project. You’ll also discover why both of our fostering organisations are rated Outstanding by Ofsted.
Our Introduction to Fostering brochure includes videos from foster parents, foster children and their families. You’ll hear about their experiences and get an insight into the realities of fostering.
In addition, the brochure explains the process of becoming a foster parent and the support you can expect from us. It also includes an overview of our fostering fees and allowances.
Become a foster parent
Find out more about becoming a foster parent.
Fostering allowances
Discover more about fostering pay.
Types of fostering
Want to learn more about the types of fostering?
Why become a foster parent with us?
For more than 35 years, our fostering organisations have supported some of the country’s most vulnerable children on behalf of Local Authorities. Today, Diverse Care and Xcel 2000 work together as The Hazel Project.
The work is equal parts challenging and rewarding. All of our children have experienced trauma that no child should. As a result, some may struggle at school with their emotions or behaviour.
We can understand and explain these struggles, but foster families can make the real difference. By living alongside these children, they can play an important part in helping them heal.
Our foster families have access to a range of services and a comprehensive training programme. This helps them meet the individual needs of the young people in their care. In addition, foster parents receive a generous fostering allowance for their time and commitment.
There’s a strange opinion in this country that foster parents shouldn’t be well paid for the work they do. We have no problem paying nurses, therapists, doctors, teachers and social workers for their important work. So, why should fostering be any different?
We want the best people to support children who have experienced trauma. Therefore, we believe foster parents should be paid well for the important work they do. Otherwise, people who could become incredible foster parents may choose other professions.
Our latest news
We have received OUTSTANDING in all areas on both our Ofsted inspection’s! 🎉
The reports recognise the dedication, compassion, and professionalism of our foster parents, staff, and wider community, and highlight the high standard of care provided to children and young people placed with our organisations....
Don’t Tar All Private Fostering Agencies With the Same Brush
Few topics in children’s social care generate as much heat as privately owned fostering organisations. Headlines often suggest profiteering at the expense of children and councils paying fostering organisations thousands per child with the money disappearing into...
We’re looking for a HR Compliance Administrator!
We’re looking for a friendly and organised HR compliance administrator to join our team. If you have a keen eye for detail and following processes as well as the ability to multi-task and want to be part of an organisation that truly makes a difference, then this...
We’re looking for a Finance Assistant!
We’re looking for a friendly and organised Finance Assistant to join our team and support the Head of Finance in keeping everything running smoothly behind the scenes. If you enjoy working with numbers, take pride in accuracy, and want to be part of an organisation...