Welcome to Fostering in Somerset

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.