Reasons to foster with Wiltshire Council

As a local authority we take our safeguarding responsibilities very seriously. 

Wiltshire Council take the time to match the right child to the right family. 

Unlike when we need to use private fostering agencies, we always try to keep our children in the county of Wiltshire, and seek to keep siblings living together, where it is safe for them to do so. 

What really matters to us is keeping children safe and helping families work through their problems so the child or children can return home, where it is safe for them to do so.

As a foster carer you will have access to:

• a financially progressive and rewarding care role
• high quality training and excellent support provided locally
• your own allocated social worker from our fostering team, who's there to support and supervise your fostering practice
• a fostering social worker on call until midnight every evening and every weekend and Bank Holiday
• an emergency duty service with social workers available between midnight and 8.30am
• a therapist who's qualified to work with foster carers and children and young people with a high level of needs
• the Mockingbird family model; it's an alternative way of providing foster care; it involves foster carers being part of a group with other foster carers, they are supported by a central 'hub' home, which provides resources and support
• a buddying scheme to link new foster carers with an experienced foster carer
• additional payments of up to £1,080 per child per annum for birthdays, festivals (for example Christmas) and holidays
• monthly support groups and quarterly fostering newsletter
• "Branches" a support group for foster carers' own children
• social events for you, your family and your foster child(ren)
• discounts and choice of savings from major supermarket chains, high street retailers, holidays and entertainment
• free swimming and court hire; plus substantial discounts for gym and exercise classes for foster carers and their children at all Wiltshire Leisure Centres
• membership of Wiltshire Fostering Association a foster carer led support group
• "Refer a Friend" scheme and the chance to earn £500 for each successful referral

Our support programme is designed to build your confidence, skills and experience caring for our foster children, so you can make a huge difference to their lives.

Foster child, Lily said:

I like being fostered because my foster carers are nice people, their children help me to feel happier, I can still see my sister, and they are always there for me.