Support we offer to foster carers
If you choose to foster with South Gloucestershire Council, you will become a valued member of our team.
We have the experience, understanding and commitment to find the best foster carers for our children and young people in care.
As a not-for-profit organisation, we are entirely focussed on improving the lives of our children and young people in South Gloucestershire.
Practical and emotional support
If you choose to foster with South Gloucestershire Council, you will become a valued member of our team, and will benefit from the below:
When a child or young person needs a foster family in South Gloucestershire, we look to our foster carers first. Which means you are much more likely to have regular, local children living with you than external, independent agencies.
Payments and allowances
You will receive weekly payments and allowances to cover the cost of caring for children and young people.
The fostering community
You will be joining a friendly and supportive fostering community who meet regularly to share good practice and learn from each other.
You will have access to our out of hours support line and emergency duty team, available seven days a week.
As full members of The Fostering Network and New Family Social, you will have access to all their support, advice, and guidance too.
Support from our social workers
You will not be alone; you will be allocated your own dedicated supervising social worker who will provide regular support, advice, and guidance.
You will also be assigned a buddy who is an experienced foster carer to support you in your first year of fostering.
Training
You will have access to many training opportunities to develop your skills and knowledge to help you grow in your fostering role.
All our training courses are local and held at different times and venues to make it as convenient as possible for you.
Social events
You will be invited to a range of social events for our foster carers such as family fun days, coffee mornings and support groups giving you the opportunity to meet other foster carers.
Your birth children will be invited to join our Sons and Daughters support group who host regular fun events like bowling parties, activity days and more.
Once approved you will have the opportunity to take part in our recruitment activities and events.
Mockingbird Family Model
We are in the process of implementing the Mockingbird Family Model of foster care in South Gloucestershire, with the aim to better support our foster carers, children and young people in our care. Find out more on our Mockingbird Family Model page.