Become a Foster Carer in South Gloucestershire
Every child deserves a safe, supportive home—and you could be the person who provides it.
How do I become a foster carer?
Becoming a foster carer with South Gloucestershire Council is a rewarding way to make a lasting difference to a child’s life. If you’re over 21, have a spare bedroom and can provide a safe, stable and nurturing home, you may be able to foster.
You don’t need any formal qualifications to become a foster carer. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, whether you’re single, married, living with a partner, working full-time, retired, a homeowner or a tenant.
At South Gloucestershire Council, we’re looking for caring, compassionate people who can help local children and young people thrive. Our fostering service is rated Good by Ofsted, and we’ll support you every step of the way with training, guidance and ongoing professional support.
Why become a foster carer?
Every child deserves a safe, loving home where they can feel supported, valued and understood.
As a foster carer, you’ll help children and young people:
- Feel safe and cared for.
- Build confidence and resilience.
- Stay connected to their communities.
- Achieve their potential.
- Create positive memories and experiences.
While fostering can sometimes be challenging, it can also be one of the most rewarding things you’ll ever do.
Can I become a foster carer?
You may be able to foster if you:
- Are aged 21 or over.
- Have a spare bedroom.
- Can provide a stable and caring home.
- Have the time and commitment to support a child or young person.
- Are single, married, divorced, widowed or living with a partner.
- Own your home or rent it.
- Work full-time, part-time or are retired.
We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, cultures, faiths, genders and sexual orientations.
What matters most is your ability to provide a safe, nurturing and supportive environment for a child.
Why foster with South Gloucestershire Council?
By fostering directly with South Gloucestershire Council, you’ll be helping local children and young people stay connected to their schools, communities, friends and support networks wherever possible.
When you foster with us, you’ll benefit from:
Dedicated Local Support
You’ll have the support of a dedicated supervising social worker who will guide and support you throughout your fostering journey.
Competitive Payments and Allowances
We provide competitive fostering allowances and fees to help cover the costs of caring for a child and recognise the important role foster carers play.
Ongoing Training
From your initial preparation training through to specialist development opportunities, we’ll help you build your skills and confidence.
Peer Support
You’ll become part of a supportive fostering community and have access to the Mockingbird programme, events and opportunities to connect with other foster carers.
An Ofsted-Rated Service
South Gloucestershire Council’s fostering service is rated Good by Ofsted, reflecting our commitment to providing high-quality support for foster carers and positive outcomes for children and young people.
What types of fostering are available?
There are many different ways to foster, including:
- Short-term fostering
- Long-term fostering
- Emergency fostering
- Respite fostering
- Parent and child fostering
- Specialist fostering
Our team will help you understand which type of fostering may be the best fit for your circumstances and experience.
What is the process for becoming a foster carer?
Becoming a foster carer involves several stages designed to help us get to know you and ensure you’re prepared for the role.
The process typically includes:
- Initial enquiry.
- Information conversation.
- Home visit.
- Formal application.
- Skills to Foster training.
- Fostering assessment.
- Fostering panel.
- Approval decision.
Throughout the process, you’ll receive guidance from experienced fostering professionals.
Read our detailed guide to the fostering assessment and approval process.
How much do foster carers get paid?
Foster carers receive a weekly allowance to cover the costs of caring for a child, together with fostering fees linked to their skills and experience.
Newly approved foster carers can receive up to £454 per week, per child, depending on the child’s age and circumstances, with opportunities to increase earnings through the foster carer banding scheme.
What support will I receive?
When you foster with South Gloucestershire Council, you’ll never be on your own.
Our foster carers receive:
- A dedicated supervising social worker.
- Regular supervision and support.
- Ongoing training and development.
- Access to the Mockingbird support network.
- Peer support from experienced foster carers.
- Out-of-hours support when needed.
- Access to discounts and benefits available to foster carers.
We’ll work alongside you to ensure you have the knowledge, confidence and support needed to provide excellent care.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a foster carer?
The fostering assessment and approval process typically takes several months. The exact timescale varies depending on individual circumstances, but we’ll support you throughout every stage.
Do I need experience working with children?
No. Many successful foster carers have not worked professionally with children. Life experience, patience, resilience and a commitment to helping young people are often just as important.
Can I foster if I work full-time?
Some people successfully combine fostering with employment. This depends on the type of fostering you wish to provide and the needs of the child in your care.
Can I foster if I’m single?
Yes. You can become a foster carer whether you’re single, married, divorced, widowed or living with a partner.
Do I need to own my home?
No. Both homeowners and tenants can apply to foster, provided they have a suitable spare bedroom available for a child.
How much do foster carers get paid?
Foster carers receive weekly allowances and fostering fees. The amount varies depending on the child’s age, needs and the type of fostering provided.
What support do foster carers receive?
Foster carers receive training, supervision, access to specialist advice, peer support and ongoing guidance from a dedicated fostering team.
Why foster with South Gloucestershire Council?
Foster carers who join South Gloucestershire Council receive dedicated local support, competitive fostering allowances, ongoing training and the opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of local children and young people.
Ready to start your fostering journey?
Enquire today to find out whether fostering could be right for you.
All fostering enquiries are initially received by Fostering South West, the regional fostering hub for local authorities across the South West.
A member of their team will usually contact you within two working days to discuss fostering, answer any questions you may have and help you explore whether fostering is right for you.
If you decide to continue your application with South Gloucestershire Council, your enquiry will be passed to our local fostering team, who will support you throughout the assessment, approval and fostering process.
Start your fostering journey today and help change a child’s life.