Fostering in Southampton
Thinking about fostering in Southampton? Start with your questions about home, work and the care you could offer.
Your everyday life
Fostering has to fit around real life. If your work involves shifts or changing hours, bring that to the conversation. We can explore your availability for school, appointments and the unexpected moments when a child needs you.
Think through a typical week: who is available in the morning, after school and during holidays? Your support network matters, but it does not replace the time you need to offer yourself.
You will have a named supervising social worker, preparation and ongoing learning, and access to experienced out-of-hours advice.
Explore your support ↗Before you decide
Explore the space, time and support involved in becoming a foster carer.
Explore this ↗Understand the child allowance and professional fee, and when payments apply.
Explore this ↗See how conversations, preparation, assessment and matching fit together.
Explore this ↗Questions from the start
Tell us your postcode and the places you can travel to. We will discuss coverage and practical arrangements for your household.
Yes. Your first conversation is a chance to understand fostering and the support around you. You do not have to make an application to ask.
We can discuss your experience and what you would like from a different agency. Any move needs careful planning, including the needs of children living with you.
A conversation, at your pace
Ask us about fostering in Southampton. You can take the next step at your own pace.
A first chat takes about 15–20 minutes. No pressure to apply. Lines open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
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