What is fostering

Fostering provides a temporary home and care for children who are unable to live with their birth families. Foster carers offer a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment where children can grow and thrive during challenging times in their lives. The goal of fostering is to provide stability and support, helping children to heal and develop, whether they return to their birth families or move on to adoption or independent living.

Fostering can be short-term, long-term, or even permanent, depending on the needs of the child. It can involve caring for children of all ages, from newborns to teenagers, and sometimes involves caring for sibling groups or children with special needs. Foster carers play a crucial role in the lives of these children, offering not just a place to live, but also emotional support, guidance, and a sense of belonging.

Foster carers with Wiltshire Council receive a generous fostering payment, specialist training, and benefit from local fostering support network (Mockingbird).