What is fostering?
Find out what fostering is, the different ways to foster and the children who need fostering.
Fostering means opening your home to a child who cannot live with their birth family. It’s about offering a safe, stable, and nurturing environment during a time when a child needs care and support the most. Whether it’s for a short period or a longer stay, this role can have a lasting impact on both the child and the carer.
Foster carers provide more than just a place to stay—they help children feel secure, valued, and supported. Every young person deserves the chance to grow in a loving and stable home, and this is where foster carers make a real difference.
Why Children Need Foster Care
Children may need temporary or long-term care for many reasons. These can include family illness, neglect, abuse, or a breakdown in relationships at home. Some may have experienced trauma, while others simply need a safe place while their family receives help.
Whatever the circumstances, all children in care need the same thing: a supportive environment where they can feel safe, rebuild trust, and begin to thrive.
What Foster Carers Do
As a carer, you’ll offer:
- A structured and caring home life
- Emotional support and encouragement
- Help with education, routines, and social development
- A sense of stability and belonging
You’ll work closely with professionals such as social workers and teachers to support the child’s well-being. You don’t need to be perfect—just compassionate, patient, and ready to help.
Who Can Foster?
We welcome individuals and families from all walks of life. You can apply if you are:
- Single, married, or in a relationship
- Renting or own your home
- Working, retired, or self-employed
- From any cultural, ethnic, or religious background
- LGBTQ+ inclusive
If you have a spare room, time, and a caring nature, you could be the right person to provide this vital support. We offer full training and ongoing guidance to help you succeed.
Types of Fostering
There are different ways to support children depending on your availability and preferences:
- Short-term care – for a few days, weeks, or months
- Long-term care – until the child reaches adulthood
- Emergency placements – at short notice, often overnight
- Respite care – giving other carers a short break
- Parent and child placements – supporting a young parent and their baby
Each type plays a key role in helping children and families in our community.
Want to Learn More?
We’re here to help you explore if fostering with South Gloucestershire is right for you.