Southampton City Council Fostering Service

15/06/2026

Now that we've talked through how the assessment process works, here are our top tips to help you prepare:

- Be honest - share openly about your life and experiences
- Ask questions - your social worker is there to guide and support you
- Stay organised - keep key documents handy (ID, references, medical info)
- Reflect - think about your values, strengths, and why you want to foster
- Be patient - The process takes time, but each step brings you closer to making a difference

Listen to Hannah, a foster carer about being prepared for the first child to join her home: https://youtu.be/CW6h8rLchzI

Want to find out more? You can reach out to us on 0300 131 2797 or visit our website: https://www.southampton.gov.uk/children-families/fostering/ to get started!

13/06/2026

Now that your assessment is complete, you'll be introduced to your very own Supervising Social Worker - someone you'll meet with regularly and who'll be there to support you every step of the way.

Hear from fostering families how their Supporting Social Worker helps them here: https://youtu.be/hQ5xoOgJc8I

In Southampton City Council, you will also have access to our wonderful Fostering Family Practitioners, who support you with specific behaviours and plans within the home.
We also have a Clinical Lead in the Fostering Team, who provides therapeutic support.

Southampton is also very lucky to have a charity called the Southampton Foster Carer's Association, which does a huge amount to support carers and the children we care for. Run by the foster carers, for the foster carers. To find out more about their work, check them out here: https://www.southampton.gov.uk/children-families/fostering/further-information-news-and-events/sfca/

Ongoing training will continue to build your skills and confidence, so you're always prepared to give children the best possible care. We'll stay connected through regular meet-ups, celebrations and social events throughout the year - you are the heart of fostering, and we're there to support you and the children in your care.

Want to find out more? You can reach out to us on 0300 131 2797 or visit our website: https://www.southampton.gov.uk/children-families/fostering/ to get started!

11/06/2026

After completing your assessment, you and your assessing social worker will go along to an independent Fostering Panel to recognise the hard work you've achieved so far! They are a selection of people with a vested interest in the children we care for, and are there to ensure we have done our due diligence. (Don't worry, it's not as daunting as it sounds!)

They panel usually includes social workers, foster carers, people with lived experience of care, health and educational professionals, etc.

They'll have read through the assessment and will ask you and your assessing social worker further questions to understand your journey, values and motivations to foster. It's a chance for them to make sure you are ready and a chance for you to reflect on how far you've come!
Most people find it encouraging and even emotional. You don't go in alone, we will be with you every step of the way!

Hear from people who have experienced fostering panel about how it felt here: https://youtu.be/9v17DPgdL3o

Feel like you have the courage to take the leap? You can reach out to us on 0300 131 2797 or visit our website: https://www.southampton.gov.uk/children-families/fostering/ to get started!

09/06/2026

During Stage Two of your assessment, you will be invited to attend a course called 'Skills to Foster'. This training session is co-facilitated by the fostering team and our extremely skills current foster carers. It's designed to give you the skills and understanding to get started on your fostering journey. It will also give you an insight into the needs of the children we care for and how to build trust and work as part of the professional network.

It's also a chance to meet other prospective carers, share experiences and ask questions in a welcoming environment. By the end of the course, most people feel even more confident and inspired to continue their journey. It's not just about learning - it's about preparing to change a life.

Here more about Skills to Foster from an approved foster carer here: https://youtu.be/RPVuynd-iVQ

Feeling ready to get started? You can reach out to us on 0300 131 2797 or visit our website: https://www.southampton.gov.uk/children-families/fostering/ to get started!

07/06/2026

After we have received your application, we will go ahead with Stage One of the Assessment process - our checks and references. These are in place to safeguard yourself and the children we care for, and include the below:

- An Enhanced DBS check with all barred lists
- Personal and professional references, usually one family member and two friends per applicant. If relevant, we will also seek to speak to significant ex-partners. We appreciate that this can be difficult for a lot of people, and will work with you on alternatives should this not be suitable.
- A medical check to make sure you are physically and emotionally well to foster. This will be looked at in the context of fostering, and enable us to consider any adjustments that can be made to make fostering suitable for you.
- A home safety check to make sure you have things like working smoke alarms, secure doors, safe sleeping arrangements, etc. This will give us and you peace of mind to welcome a child into your home.

To learn more about the role of your assessment social worker and the reference process, check out what some current foster carers had to share: https://youtu.be/J4AvBKVe7ag

Feeling ready to get started? You can reach out to us on 0300 131 2797 or visit our website, soton.cc/fostering.

05/06/2026

Once you have gotten in touch with us about your interest to foster, we will contact you to chat through your thoughts and answer any questions you may have. If after our chat you are interested in progressing, we will arrange an Initial Home Visit with you.

The visit is a relaxed and friendly chat to understand more about your suitability to foster and answer any further questions you may have at this stage. Hear from a Fostering Social Worker about getting started with your assessment and why you shouldn't worry: https://youtu.be/d0Q7z8gHyYY

We will also offer you a chat with one of our experienced foster carers, as it can be extremely useful to chat it through with someone who lives it day to day.

After your visit, you will have the opportunity to go ahead with your application!

Feeling ready for this step? You can reach out to us on 0300 131 2797 or visit our website: soton.cc/fostering to get started!

04/06/2026

Been thinking about fostering but want to find out a bit more? Pop into Westquay today and have a chat with our Fostering Recruitment Team! You'll find them on the Lower Floor, behind the lifts until 4pm. Pick up a free copy of our 'A Guide to Fostering Hope' book too!


Fostering South East

03/06/2026

Foster carers come from all walks of life, and although childcare experience is helpful, we provide you with the training and support you will need to get started.

There are two main things you need in order to be assessed for fostering: you need to be over 21 years old and have a spare bedroom.

If you have patience, care and time to give to a child or young person, you're already a step closer to making a difference. Listen to foster carers and care-experienced people talk about the need for foster carers from all walks of life: https://youtu.be/874c68t8uvo

Whether you are ready to take the leap now or just want a bit of information, our Recruitment Team are on hand to answer any of your questions. You can reach out to us on 0300 131 2797 or visit our website: soton.cc/fostering

02/06/2026

Off for a swim today? 🏊 check out our info and learn more about how you could make a difference as a foster carer!

A massive thank you to Shirley Swimming Pool for sharing our information on site and helping us to spread more awareness of fostering 💚✨

01/06/2026