Fostering is a way of providing family-based care for children who cannot live with their parents or other family. It is also about caring for a child in your own home usually on a temporary basis.
Fostering allows children to be cared for in a way that meets their individual needs.
The choice of families will allow the best match to the individual needs of the child. For more information
about the fostering service in Wiltshire, please see 
Fostering Statement
of Purpose 115kb Fostering Statement of Purpose July 2010
Consider fostering to make a positive difference to a child!
In Wiltshire nearly 300 children and young people are looked after by Wiltshire Council. Nearly 70% of these children and young people live with foster families. Foster carers are people who look after these children.
Fostering is community based, often allowing children to stay in their local area, to attend their local school and to keep in touch with their friends.
Most children who live with foster carers do so temporarily, however some children do not return to their families and may live with foster carers in the longer term.
What you will need
All kinds of people can become foster carers:
- Men and women regardless of sexual orientation
- Married, single or living with a partner
- In work, unemployed or retired
- From any cultural, ethnic or social background
What's important is that you have the space in your home and in your life, a good sense of humour, tolerance, understanding, enthusiasm and the motivation to make a positive difference to young people's lives.
If I am interested in becoming a foster carer, what should I do next?
To apply please complete the Fostering Online Application Form or email us at fostering@wiltshire.gov.uk. Alternatively you can contact us using the contact details below or ring our recruitment hotline on 0800 169 6321.
Please note that part of the process of applying to become a foster carer involves various checks and enquiries. A Criminal Records Bureau check will be completed as part of the process.
Any enquiries or questions?
Please go to Frequently Asked Questions for enquiries related to fostering for example "What kind of children are fostered?", "Will I get paid for looking after a child?", "As a foster carer, what kind of support will I get?" and many more.
Contact Details (LiveLink)
Multiple Contacts:
eMail: fostering@wiltshire.gov.uk
Telephone: 01225 715555
Out of hours:
Fax: 01225 755196
Postal Address:
In Person:
DX:
Related information
Related links
- Everything you need to know about Fostering
- Fostering Online Application Form
- BAAF Adoption and Fostering
- Barnardos
- Kidscape
- DCSF - Choice Protects
Last updated: 20 October 2011
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