There are lots of myths around fostering that people believe are reasons they won’t ever be a foster carer.

  • I’m too old.
  • I can’t afford to foster.
  • I have a disability.
  • I’m single.
  • I’m LGBTQ+

And Wiltshire Council wants to smash those myths by helping people realise none of those reasons mean they can’t foster. They want people to know they can step forward and take on the role of being a foster carer, providing children with a warm and welcoming home.

There is no upper age limit to fostering. You’ll also have a very generous weekly payment plus holidays and birthday allowances.

Wiltshire Council is also keen for LGBTQ+ people to apply and has foster carers who are providing amazing homes for young people but want more.

(Image: Wiltshire Council)

Cllr Laura Mayes, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services said: “We speak to quite a few people who feel they won’t be able to foster for a host of reasons. Some people are single or working, while others may have disabilities or be in same-sex relationships and don’t feel they would be chosen. However, all these people could foster with us, and if they're interested, I'd urge them to contact us to start the conversation.

“We would say call us and have a chat and we can discuss. Sometime people feel if they already have a family, they can’t foster but that’s not true. We have some great examples of birth children playing an important role in making a foster child or children feel right at home. If you are fostering a child under 12 months and have space for a cot you don’t need a spare room. For anyone older you do.

“The simple message is – contact us and let’s have a chat through the options. We always need more foster carers and who knows, you could be ideal for someone we have who needs that security and a loving home where they can be near friends, school and everything they enjoy.”

(Image: Wiltshire Council)

Foster carers need to be aged 21 and over. They should have a spare bedroom although if the child they are fostering is under 12 months they do not need a spare room as long as they have space for a cot.

Foster carers need to have time to care for a child and a willingness to seek to understand young people who have experienced trauma and loss. Fostering payments are from £400 to £740 per week per child depending on skills and experience. 

For more information, visit our website – Fostering Home - Fostering with Wiltshire Council

Email: fostering@wiltshire.gov.uk

Tel: 0800 169 6321 or text the word Foster to 60002.

You can join an online fostering session to find out more about fostering, Upcoming dates are July 11, from 6pm – 7pm or Friday, July 19, noon – 1pm.

More events and links to the online meetings can be found here –- Fostering events - Fostering with Wiltshire Council

Wiltshire Council is part of Fostering South-West, which provides a ‘front door’ access and support service across all fourteen local authorities in the South West region. The hub acts as the first point of contact for prospective carers making enquiries about fostering.

(Image: Wiltshire Council)