Foster carers receive a wide range of support, including a dedicated supervising social worker, 24/7 advice, training, therapeutic support and access to a network of other fostering families. At South Gloucestershire Council, we believe that foster carers should never feel alone in their fostering journey.
We know that fostering can be both rewarding and challenging. That’s why we’ve created a comprehensive package of support to help foster carers provide the best possible care for children and young people.
Will I have my own social worker?
Yes. Every foster carer is allocated a dedicated supervising social worker who will support you throughout your fostering journey.
Your supervising social worker will:
- Visit you regularly
- Help you develop your fostering skills
- Offer advice and guidance
- Advocate for you when needed
- Support you through any challenges
Many of our foster carers describe their supervising social worker as a vital source of encouragement and reassurance.
Is support available outside office hours?
Absolutely.
Children don’t only need support between 9am and 5pm, and foster carers don’t stop being foster carers at weekends or overnight.
That’s why South Gloucestershire Council provides:
✅ 24-hour support
✅ 7 days a week
✅ 365 days a year
Whether you need advice, reassurance or urgent support, help is always available.
What training will I receive?
All foster carers complete training before approval and continue learning throughout their fostering journey.
Training opportunities include:
- Skills to Foster
- Therapeutic Parenting
- Understanding Trauma
- Attachment and Relationships
- Life Story Work
- Safeguarding
- Child Development
There are also opportunities to gain recognised qualifications, including Level 3 and Level 4 diplomas in foster care and therapeutic practice.
What is WAYPOINT?
One of the benefits of fostering with South Gloucestershire Council is access to our in-house therapeutic service, WAYPOINT.
WAYPOINT supports foster families by helping them understand the impact of trauma and providing specialist advice around children’s emotional wellbeing.
Support can include:
- One-to-one sessions
- Therapeutic guidance
- Support around relationships and transitions
- Advice for foster carers and family members
This means foster families have access to specialist support when it’s needed most.
What is Mockingbird?
Mockingbird is an extended family-style support model that connects fostering households together.
Through Mockingbird, foster carers can access:
- Peer support
- Shared activities
- Stayover care
- Advice from experienced carers
- A wider fostering community
Many carers say Mockingbird helps them feel connected, supported and part of something bigger.
Are there opportunities to meet other foster carers?
Yes. We know how valuable it is to talk to people who truly understand fostering.
We offer:
- Regular coffee mornings
- Support groups
- Foster carer forums
- Social events
- Informal networking opportunities
These sessions give carers the chance to share experiences, ask questions and build supportive friendships.
Is there support for my family too?
Yes. Fostering affects the whole household, so support extends beyond the foster carer.
Children of foster carers can access support through the WAYPOINT team, including:
- One-to-one support
- Children of Foster Carers groups
- Activities and events
- Opportunities to meet other young people from fostering families
We also run family events throughout the year, including Easter, Summer, Halloween and Christmas celebrations, helping everyone feel connected to the fostering community.
What additional benefits are available?
Foster carers with South Gloucestershire Council can also access:
- Free membership of The Fostering Network
- Max Card discounts
- Eligibility for a Blue Light Card
- Activity vouchers
- Free membership to the Children’s Scrapstore
- Foster Carer ID Cards
- Recommend a Friend bonuses
These benefits help foster families make the most of their time together and access valuable support and discounts.
What do South Gloucestershire foster carers say?
Our foster carers regularly tell us how much they value the support available.
One foster carer said:
“South Gloucestershire Council is fantastic, you’re never on your own. There’s training, a 24/7 helpline, other foster carers to connect with, and an entire support team behind you.”
Another shared:
“We feel so supported by South Gloucestershire Council. The yearly events, coffee mornings, and the chance to meet other foster carers have helped us build a strong network of friends.”
You don’t have to do it alone
One of the biggest myths about fostering is that you’re expected to manage everything on your own.
The reality is that fostering is a team effort. When you foster with South Gloucestershire Council, you’ll have a dedicated network of professionals, fellow carers and specialist services behind you every step of the way.
More questions about fostering?
This article is part of our Fostering FAQs Hub, where you’ll find answers to common questions including:
- Can I foster if I’m single?
- Can I foster if I have children?
- Can I foster if I work full-time?
- Can I foster if I rent my home?
- Can I foster if I have pets?
- How much do foster carers get paid?
View all Frequently Asked Questions.
Could you foster?
If you’d like to find out more about fostering with South Gloucestershire Council, we’d love to hear from you.
Call: 01454 866 423
Email: foster@southglos.gov.uk
