Fostering in the South West

Sadly, there are over 6,000 children in the South West who cannot be looked after by their own family. We are urgently recruiting more foster carers in the South West who can provide care and support to some of the UK’s most vulnerable children and young people.

With over 25 years experience in foster care, we are the UK’s largest dedicated fostering charity. When you choose to foster with TACT, you will receive a generous fostering allowance, 24/7 support and access to a comprehensive training programme. Could you join our fostering South West team of carers and become a fostering family?

Can I foster in the South West?

The first step is to check that you fulfil the basic general fostering requirements:

Are you at least 21 years old?
Do you have at least one spare bedroom in your home?
Are you a full-time resident of the UK, or do you have indefinite leave to remain?

If you have answered ‘yes’ to all three questions, you have fulfilled the initial criteria. We would now like to talk to you further about why you would like to become a foster carer, and ask you some more questions. Please complete our ‘start your fostering journey’ form on this page.

Who are the children we need foster carers for in the South West?

We are recruiting foster carers across the South West, however there is a particular demand for foster carers in the following areas: Bath, Bristol, Somerset, North Somerset, Gloucestershire, South Gloucestershire, Swindon and Wiltshire.

We would ideally like to hear from people who would like to care for children aged 5 years and over, sibling groups or children with complex needs.

Why foster with TACT?

Foster carers come to us for many reasons and they stay with us – because we help them do the most rewarding job in the world. Together we transform the lives of children and young people, giving them the chance to lead happy, loving, fulfilled lives.

At TACT we are more than just a fostering agency; as a charity we put our foster carers and the children they care for at the heart of everything that we do.

Choosing to become a foster carer is one of the most rewarding decisions you will ever make, and we will be by your side every step of the way making sure that you feel valued, encouraged and supported – that is why 98% of our foster carers would recommend fostering with TACT.

“I Became a Foster Carer at 26″

“Becoming a foster carer at just 26 – as a single mum to an eight year old – might sound crazy, but I’ve never regretted it. In six years I have looked after 16 children, aged between eight and 18, and it’s the most rewarding thing I have ever done.

My own childhood in Guyana was difficult, with domestic violence and instability, until my Aunty Muriel brought me to the UK when I was 10. I’d always wanted a family of my own and fell pregnant at 18 but the relationship with Sophia’s dad ended when I was 23…”

What do TACT foster carers benefit from?

We are the UK’s largest dedicated fostering charity. This means that all our surplus income is reinvested into foster carers and our young people.
24/7 support ensuring that whatever you face as a foster carer you are never alone
Competitive fees and allowances, worked out depending on the detail of each placement
An excellent training package, tailored to your needs and those of the children placed with you
Regular meetings and support groups, giving you the chance to meet other foster carers and share experience
Dedicated events for the children in your care, giving them the chance to meet other fostered children
Access to our specialist Health & Education Services, to further help you provide care to vulnerable children

“Being a foster dad means providing love, warmth, understanding and stability.”

“I became a foster dad nearly two years ago. Our four children were grown up and independent, and my wife Julie and I felt we were in a good position to make a positive difference to other children’s lives. As our friends have been fostering with TACT for 14 years, we didn’t have to look any further as to whom we would foster with.

From first contact with TACT it was an efficient and smooth process leading to the panel, which was not as stressful as expected, with the panel members making us feel very relaxed…”

How to become a foster carer with TACT?

If you’re interested in becoming a foster carer with TACT, you can request an information pack by completing the form on this page, or call us on 0330 123 2250. We have a great team of experienced and qualified staff based across all areas of the South West so you can rest assured knowing that wherever you are, we are ready to support you through your fostering journey. Find out more in our Statement of Purpose.

Read our latest Ofsted Report.