Fostering is a vital part of the child welfare system, offering children a stable and caring environment while they await permanent placement. In Somerset, the demand for foster carers remains strong, and the local authorities have put robust support structures in place to ensure carers can provide the best possible care. This article outlines what fostering is, the benefits and responsibilities for carers, how to become eligible, the support you will receive, the allowance framework, and how to apply in Somerset. It also touches on the local fostering landscape, common challenges, and answers the most frequently asked questions.
What Fostering Is and Who It Helps
Fostering is a temporary, compassionate arrangement where a child is placed with a family who meets specific standards and can provide a safe, nurturing environment. Children in fostering may have experienced abuse, neglect, or family breakdown, and they often require additional emotional and developmental support. The goal is to give them stability, continuity of care, and the chance to develop healthy relationships while the legal process seeks a permanent home, whether through adoption, return to birth parents, or kinship care.
Who Benefits from Fostering?
Children and young people who are in care, especially those aged under 18, are the primary beneficiaries. Fostering also supports the wider community by reducing the burden on local authority services, enabling better allocation of resources for other vulnerable groups.
Benefits and Responsibilities of Foster Carers
Foster carers experience a range of personal and professional benefits. These include the satisfaction of making a tangible difference in a child’s life, gaining new skills in communication and conflict resolution, and receiving training that can be transferable to other roles. Additionally, carers are entitled to financial allowances that help cover the costs of caring for a child.
Key Responsibilities
Carers must provide a safe, supportive home, attend regular meetings with social workers, and maintain accurate records of the child’s progress. They also need to manage the child’s daily routine, support educational attendance, and facilitate contact with the child’s birth family when appropriate.
Eligibility and Assessment Process
Eligibility criteria are set by the Department for Education and refined by local authority guidance. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, have no serious criminal record, and demonstrate the capacity to provide a stable environment. A thorough assessment process is required, involving background checks, home visits, and a series of interviews.
Assessment Steps
1. Initial Application – Submit personal details and a statement of intent.
2. Home Visit – A social worker evaluates the suitability of the home environment.
3. Interview – Discuss the applicant’s motivation, understanding of foster care, and willingness to adhere to local policies.
4. Background Checks – Includes DBS checks and verification of any previous foster placements or child protection concerns.
Successful applicants are then placed on a waiting list. The length of time on the list can vary depending on the demand for carers and the specific needs of children in the region.
Support, Training and Supervision
Somerset local authorities, together with independent agencies, provide structured support to foster carers. This includes mandatory training modules covering child protection, first aid, and safeguarding. Ongoing supervision is offered through regular home visits by social workers, as well as peer support groups.
Training Highlights
Training covers a range of topics such as recognising signs of trauma, managing behavioural challenges, and facilitating educational progress. Many carers also attend workshops on mental health first aid and communication strategies with children who have experienced adversity.
Supervision and Peer Support
Regular supervision ensures that carers receive guidance and can discuss any concerns in a confidential setting. Peer support groups, often run by local charities or fostering associations, provide a platform for carers to share experiences, coping strategies, and emotional support.
Allowances and Payment Structure
According to official UK fostering guidance and local authority policies, foster carers receive a series of allowances that are calculated based on the child’s age, the complexity of care required, and the length of placement. These payments are designed to cover additional costs such as extra meals, clothing, and medical expenses. The structure typically includes:
- Base allowance – A fixed amount that varies with the child’s age group.
- Additional cost allowance – Covers extra expenses related to the child’s specific needs.
- Specialist care allowance – For children with complex medical or behavioural needs.
- Holiday and transport allowance – Reimbursement for travel and holiday costs when caring for a child.
These allowances are paid monthly and are reviewed periodically to reflect changes in the child’s circumstances or policy updates. Carers are also entitled to tax relief on certain caregiving expenses, which can be claimed through the appropriate tax forms.
How to Apply for Fostering in Somerset
Applying for fostering in Somerset begins with a straightforward online application form available on the Somerset County Council website. The process is designed to be accessible and includes the following steps:
- Initial Contact – Call the Somerset Foster Care helpline or use the online chat feature to obtain information.
- Submit Application – Complete the digital form, providing personal details, employment status, and a brief statement of motivation.
- Preliminary Screening – A social worker will review the application to ensure basic eligibility.
- Attend an Information Session – Discuss expectations, responsibilities, and the support available.
- Home Assessment – A scheduled visit to evaluate the suitability of the home environment.
- Background Checks – DBS and other necessary checks are conducted.
- Approval and Induction – Once approved, new carers undergo induction training before placing a child.
Applicants who are accepted are placed on the waiting list and will receive regular updates. The duration of waiting can vary, but the local authority maintains a transparent communication channel to keep prospective carers informed.
Local Fostering Context and Agencies (Including Nearby Areas)
Somerset’s fostering landscape is supported by a mix of local authority services and independent agencies. The county council’s foster care department works closely with agencies such as the Local Authority vs Independent Fostering Agency comparison page to ensure carers have access to comprehensive support.
Key agencies operating in Somerset and the surrounding regions include:
- Somerset County Council Foster Care – The primary public service provider.
- Bath & North Somerset Foster Care – Focuses on placements in Bath, North Somerset, and surrounding rural areas.
- Bristol Foster Care – Serves the city of Bristol and the South West region.
- Gloucester County Foster Services – Provides placements in Gloucester and nearby villages.
- South Gloucestershire Foster Care – Offers support for families in South Gloucestershire.
These agencies collaborate to match children with suitable homes and provide tailored training. They also maintain open channels for carers to seek advice, report concerns, or request additional resources.
Nearby Areas and Placement Opportunities
Somerset’s proximity to Bath, Bristol, Gloucester, North Somerset, and South Gloucestershire expands the range of potential placements. Carers in rural areas may find opportunities to support children who prefer a quieter environment, while those in urban settings can cater to children who thrive in more dynamic surroundings.
Common Challenges and Realistic Expectations
While fostering offers immense rewards, it also presents challenges that prospective carers should be prepared for. These include:
- Emotional Demands – Children may carry complex trauma, requiring patience and resilience.
- Unpredictable Behaviour – Behavioural issues can arise, necessitating effective coping strategies.
- Time Management – Balancing work, personal life, and foster responsibilities can be demanding.
- Financial Planning – While allowances cover many costs, carers must budget for unforeseen expenses.
Realistic expectations involve recognising that each placement will have unique needs. Carers should approach each child with flexibility and an open mind, and rely on the support network available through their agency and local authority.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the financial allowances for foster carers in Somerset?
Allowances are calculated based on the child’s age and care needs. They include a base allowance, additional cost allowance, specialist care allowance, and transport or holiday reimbursement. These are paid monthly and reviewed periodically.
2. Can I foster a child if I live in a rented property?
Yes, many agencies accept carers who rent, provided the property meets safety and suitability standards. Applicants will need to demonstrate that the landlord permits foster placements.
3. How long does the fostering assessment process take in Somerset?
The duration varies. On average, from initial application to approval, the process may take several weeks to a few months, depending on demand and the applicant’s schedule.
4. Are there specific training requirements for fostering children with special needs?
Yes, carers placing children with special needs typically undergo additional training modules covering medical care, communication techniques, and behavioural management.
5. What support is available for carers who experience burnout?
Carers can access respite care, peer support groups, and mental health resources. Local authorities and independent agencies often provide dedicated wellbeing services and can arrange temporary placements to give carers a break.
For further insights into the current fostering landscape, you may find the following articles useful: