Fostering South West

Your gateway to local council fostering across the South West of England.

We need people like you to offer a home for a night, a week, a month or even a year or more. By sharing your heart and your home, you can shape a child’s life and future for the better.

Fostering South West represents a collaborative partnership of 15 local authorities—including Dorset, Swindon, Wiltshire, Bristol, Plymouth, Gloucestershire, and more—working together for the first time to recruit, support, and retain foster carers.

Why foster with your local council?

• Stay local – Keep children connected to their community, school, friends, and family 
• As a foster carer for South West Fostering, you will be paid by the local authority you are fostering for.
• Not-for-profit – Your foster fees get reinvested into services, support, and training 
• Comprehensive support – From initial enquiry to assessment and beyond, you’ll receive personalised guidance, training, and care 
• Mockingbird network – Join a wider circle of carers to share experience, support, and friendship 
• Exclusive offers – Benefit from partner discounts, such as Mood Bears, to support your fostering journey.

Who can foster?

Fostering South West welcome individuals and families from all walks of life—whether you're over 21, single, part of a couple, in employment or in rented accommodation. No prior experience is needed—just empathy, stability, and a genuine desire to help children thrive.

How to get involved

Explore what fostering means, discover different types of placements, and hear real-life stories from carers in the region. 

When you're ready, get in touch with their team call 0300 456 0120 or email info@fosterwithyourlocalcouncil.org.uk —enquiries are answered within one working day. Or for more information, visit www.fosterwithyourlocalcouncil.org.uk.

FAQs

1. What is Fostering South West?

Fostering South West is a partnership of local councils across South West England working together to recruit, train, and support foster carers in the region. Supported by the Department for Education, their mission is to strengthen families, grow local communities, and create brighter futures for children and young people . 

2. Who can foster with Fostering South West?

Anyone aged 21 or over with a spare bedroom and a genuine interest in helping children can apply to foster. They welcome individuals, couples, and families from all backgrounds.

3. How do I start the fostering process?

You can begin by contacting your local council or directly through Fostering South West. Their team will guide you through the enquiry, assessment, and approval stages.

4. Do I need experience to become a foster carer?

No previous experience is necessary. Fostering South West provides full training and ongoing support to help you become a confident and capable foster carer.

5. What types of fostering are available?

They offer a range of placements including short-term, long-term, respite, emergency, and specialist fostering to suit different family lifestyles and needs.

6. Will I get paid to foster?

Yes. Foster carers receive an allowance to cover the costs of caring for a child, along with additional fees depending on experience and the child’s needs.

7. Why foster with your local council instead of an agency?

Fostering with your local council means not-for-profit care, better support, access to local resources, and helping children stay close to home and school.

8. What support is available to foster carers?

Carers get access to 24/7 support, regular training, peer networks like Mockingbird, and dedicated social workers throughout the fostering journey.

9. How long does the fostering approval process take?

The fostering assessment usually takes between 4 to 6 months from initial enquiry to approval, depending on your circumstances and availability.

10. Can I foster if I work full-time?

Yes, many foster carers work either full-time or part-time. The suitability depends on the type of fostering you pursue and your flexibility.

Could you offer the right home, at the right time to a child or young person through fostering?