Support for Foster Carers
Dedicated support, training, and community for every step of your fostering journey
At South Gloucestershire Council, we are committed to providing exceptional support for our foster carers. As a not-for-profit fostering service, our sole focus is on improving the lives of children and young people in care—and that starts with supporting the people who care for them.
We understand that fostering is both rewarding and challenging. That’s why we offer a comprehensive package of practical, emotional, and financial support to help you thrive in your role.
Why foster with South Gloucestershire Council?
When a child or young person in South Gloucestershire needs a foster family, we turn to our own foster carers first. This means you’re more likely to care for local children, helping them stay close to their schools, friends, and communities—something that’s often not possible with independent fostering agencies.
Practical and emotional support
As a foster carer with us, you’ll become a valued member of our professional team. From day one, you’ll receive:
- A dedicated supervising social worker who will offer regular guidance, support, and encouragement
- A foster carer buddy—an experienced carer who will support you during your first year
- Access to our out-of-hours support line and emergency duty team, available 7 days a week
- Membership with The Fostering Network and New Family Social, giving you access to expert advice, resources, and peer support
Financial support: Payments and allowances
You will receive weekly fostering payments and allowances to cover the cost of caring for a child or young person. These payments reflect the commitment and care you provide and help ensure you can focus on what matters most—supporting the child in your care.
A strong fostering community
Fostering with South Gloucestershire means joining a warm, welcoming community of carers. You’ll have opportunities to:
- Attend regular support groups and coffee mornings
- Share experiences and best practices with other foster carers
- Participate in local events and training sessions
- Take part in activities with our Men’s Group and wellbeing activities.
Ongoing training and development
We offer a wide range of training opportunities to help you grow in your role. Courses are held at various times and venues to suit your schedule and cover topics such as trauma-informed care, safeguarding, and child development.
Social events and family support
We believe in celebrating our fostering community. That’s why we host a variety of social events throughout the year, including:
- Family fun days
- Coffee mornings
- Support groups for carers
We also support your whole family. Your birth children will be invited to join our Children of Foster Carers group, which hosts fun activities like bowling, adventure days, and more.
The Mockingbird Family Model
We are proud to be implementing the Mockingbird Family Model—an innovative approach to foster care that creates extended family-style support networks. This model strengthens relationships, improves stability, and enhances the wellbeing of both carers and children.
WAYPOINT service
Access to our WAYPOINT team helps foster families find stability when things feel tough. Waypoint offers children a safe person to talk to, gives carers clear guidance during challenging moments, and brings calm, expert insight when it’s needed most. Rooted in the local community, the team works alongside families to make sure every child feels heard, supported, and able to thrive.
Ready to join us?
If you’re looking for a fostering service that puts children—and carers—first, we’d love to hear from you. With our support, you won’t be alone on your fostering journey.
Contact us today to learn more about fostering in South Gloucestershire and how we’ll support you every step of the way.