Dedicated support, training and community for every step of your fostering journey.
We're committed to providing exceptional support for our foster carers. As a not-for-profit fostering service, our sole focus is on improving the lives of children and young people in care. That starts with supporting the people who care for them.
We understand that fostering is both rewarding and challenging. That's why we offer a comprehensive package of practical, emotional and financial support to help you thrive in your role.
Our support for foster carers is rated exceptionally highly in Bristol. In our 2025 annual foster carer survey, 93% of Bristol carers said that they rated the support from their supervising social worker as excellent or good compared to 74% of the Fostering Network's national survey (FNSoNS) 2024. 60% of Bristol carers said that they rated the support from the fostering service in general as excellent or good, compared with 51% in the FNSoNS 2024.
Why foster with us
When a child or young person in Bristol needs a foster family, we turn to our own foster carers first. This means you're more likely to care for local children, helping them stay close to their schools, friends and communities. This is something that's often not possible with independent fostering agencies.
Practical and emotional support
As a foster carer with us, you'll become a valued member of our professional team. From day one, you'll receive:
- a dedicated supervising social worker who will offer regular guidance, support and encouragement
- a foster carer buddy, an experienced carer who will support you during your first year
- access to our out-of-hours support line and emergency duty team, available 7 days a week
- free membership of FosterTalk, a national foster carer support organisation
- access to Thinking Allowed, who support you and the foster children in your care, by assessing the children's needs and mental health, and offering therapy sessions if needed
- Bristol's Virtual School, The HOPE, who make sure that children in care have all the support they need to get the most out of their education
- access to Bristol Therapeutic Support Service (BTSS), our dedicated therapeutic support team, who can meet with you if you're struggling and help you find ways to make things work
- social events for you and the children you care for
- equipment needed to start your fostering role, such as furniture, bedding, car seat and prams
- childcare support, as a foster carer you're entitled to 30 hours' free childcare a week for children under 5
Financial support: payments and allowances
You'll receive weekly fostering payments and allowances, paid every other week, to cover the cost of caring for a child or young person. These payments reflect the commitment and care you provide and help make sure you can focus on what matters most: supporting the child in your care.
A strong fostering community
Fostering with Bristol City Council means joining a warm, welcoming community of carers. You'll have opportunities to:
- attend regular support groups and coffee mornings
- share experiences and best practices with other foster carers
- participate in local events and training sessions
- benefit from the wisdom and experience of our buddying system
- get support from Bristol Foster Carers Association (BFCA) which offers regular support groups, meetings, outings and events for fostering families
Ongoing training and development
We offer a wide range of bespoke training opportunities to help you grow in your role. Courses are held at various times and venues to suit your schedule and cover topics such as trauma-informed care, safeguarding, and child development.
Social events and family support
We believe in celebrating our fostering community. That's why we host a variety of social events throughout the year, including:
- family fun days
- coffee mornings
- an annual celebration event
- support groups for carers
We also support your whole family. Your birth children will be invited to join some of our events and groups.
Other rewards for fostering
Our foster carers can access a range of rewards, including:
- free membership at Everyone Active leisure centres in Bristol
- Blue Light card membership at a cost of £4.99 for two years. A Blue Light card provides members with thousands of discounts online and on the high street
- a programme of wellbeing activities run by BFCA, such as access to a foster carer choir, afternoon teas and yoga
The Mockingbird Family Model
We're proud to implement the Mockingbird Family Model, an innovative approach to foster care that creates extended family-style support networks. This model strengthens relationships, improves stability, and enhances the wellbeing of both carers and children.
Contact us
If you have any questions or would like an informal chat, contact our fostering team.
Call:
0117 353 4200
Email:
Form:
What Bristol foster carers say
"The service staff are amazing they go above and beyond."
"I found the support myself and my young person received from the BTSS was amazing and the skills I developed have gone a long way to enable me to continue in my role."
"Over the years there has been lots of support given and by different places including Thinking Aloud and The Hope and more and I think they are all good and important."
"BFCA are my main point of contact for support and advise after my supervising social worker. They are easy to get hold of and will give you 100% support with issues you are struggling with. The work they do is outstanding."
