Welcome to Fostering in Somerset

Have you seen our short video, Theo's Story?
Foster carers can make a real difference to the lives of vulnerable young children in Somerset, just like Theo. Click the heart to watch the 40 second animation, or carry on reading to find out how you could help change a child's story as a Somerset Council foster carer.

Why FOSTER

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Types Of Fostering
Mainstream

Mainstream

Foster care for children of all ages, from birth to16 years old.

Step Forward

High Need

Long-term foster care for Somerset’s most complex children

Stepping Stones

Stepping Stones

Supported lodgings for 16 to 21 year old care leavers. 

Parent & Child

Parent & Child

Support and care for both a parent and his/her young baby in your home

Respite

Short Stays

Occasional care for a child who may already be living with a local foster family

Link Carers

Link Carers

Foster care that offers flexibility, supporting a child in or leaving residential care

Asylum Seeking Children

Asylum Seeking Children

Providing foster homes for Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children

Short Break Care

Short Break Care

Specialist support scheme offering occasional care for a child with disabilities

Remand Fostering

Remand Fostering

Specialist care for children that are on remand, in custody, or facing criminal prosecution

Emergency Care

Emergency Care

Children who need to be placed in foster care at short notice

Kinship

Kinship

Care of a child you are related to, or have a connection with already

Private Fostering

Private Fostering

A private arrangement you have to care for a child who is not a close relative

How Do I Foster?

There are a few basic requirements for becoming a foster carer - you'll need to be 21 or over, and have a spare room in your home. Other than that, anyone can foster!

We'd recommend having a good look through the website initially, but the first step in fostering is to get in touch. You can find out more about the process of becoming a foster carer here....

HOW TO FOSTER

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Why Should I Foster?

Why Foster?

Meet Theo.
Theo is 9 years old, almost 10. He has light blonde hair, blue eyes and a great sense of humour. He enjoys playing video games, fishing, and being outside. His favourite food is spaghetti bolognaise, and he has an older sister. Sometimes he finds it hard to manage his emotions....but then life hasn’t always been easy for Theo.

As a Somerset Council foster carer, you could make a real difference to a vulnerable young person like Theo. Sadly, there is a particular shortage of foster homes for older children (aged 10 and over), so as Theo gets older, it's going to be much harder to find a suitable foster home for him.

Your Future

Foster with Somerset Council and you'll be joining an incredible community of local foster carers, but you'll also have opportunities to grow and progress on your own fostering journey. We regularly offer additional training courses, and our progression scheme provides a clear career pathway to help you build on your current skills and increase your weekly fee payments.

As well as the ongoing guidance and support provided by your own dedicated Supervising Social Worker, you'll also have access to a number of friendly support groups, including coffee mornings, toddler groups and family fun days, plus support and fun days for any children of your own from WeCare2.

Their Future

Fostering can have a positive impact on a vulnerable young person or child. A child in care has been separated from their family, for a variety of possible reasons, which can often be an upsetting and difficult time for them.

Living with a foster family provides a child with stability, and a caring family environment to grow up in - something they may not of experienced before. This in turn can help with their academic achievements, self confidence, and help them to process and manage their emotions or past experiences in a safe environment. Depending on the circumstances, a child in foster care often has regular contact with their birth family, so a foster family can also support a child to maintain and build on their relationships with parents and family members.

Fees & Allowances

All foster carers receive a weekly allowance when a child is living with them to cover the cost of food, clothing, pocket money, bills and activities. They also receive a weekly fee to reflect the type of foster home they offer, and the skills and experience they bring to their role. Fees increase depending upon the number of children being cared for, and a foster carers skills and experience.

Example: Mr Smith fosters 9 year old Theo, and his 15 year old sister. He receives £374.21 per week in allowances and £180 per week in fees. He also receives additional payments for holidays, birthdays, Christmas and mileage.

Fostering Stories
See How Fostering Changes Lives For The Better

Deciding to foster is not a quick or easy decision. There are lots of things to consider, and your life will undoubtedly change…but you can also make a huge difference to the life of a vulnerable young person or child as a Somerset County Council foster carer. 
Could you help change a child's story?

Your Future. Their Future. Together.

MEET THE CARERS

Tristan

Tristan

Foster Carer

"Every day is genuinely different. To a child, the content of your heart is much more important than your identity - well, that and Wifi!."

Ebony

Callum

Care Leaver

''I wouldn't lie to you. There will be ups and downs, funny moments, angry moments, crying moments, but that’s everyone’s life, right?''

Who Will be my umbrella on rainy days?

For hundreds of Somerset children, spending time at home isn’t possible right now. Imagine facing these uncertain times without the reassurance of a family environment or safe, stable home. 

Contact Us
Latest News
Stay up to date and see the latest going on at Fostering In Somerset
27
Aug

Get set, foster!

Almost 40 staff from Somerset Council plan to lace up their trainers to help raise awareness of fostering and the urgent need for more foster carers in the coun...
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