Foster carers provide safe and loving homes for children who can't live with their own families.
This can be for a few weeks, months, or until the child becomes an adult. These children may have faced difficult experiences or their families might not be able to care for them safely.
Who decides when children need foster care?
Local authorities and the courts decide when a child can't stay with their family.
ßÙßÇÂþ» Fostering Service supports these children and their foster carers. We find suitable foster families to ensure children are well cared for and have the best possible future.
What do foster carers do?
Foster carers do many of the same things parents do, like:
- Taking children to and from school
- Taking them to medical and dental appointments
- Attending meetings
- Visiting friends
- Supporting the child with their needs
People from all walks of life can become foster carers. We provide training, assessment, and ongoing support to help you care for children.
Foster carers are part of a team of professionals who help children adjust to a new family life and recover from traumatic experiences they may have had earlier in their lives. We will help you think about whether looking after children for short or longer periods of time works better in your situation.
Where are ßÙßÇÂþ»'s foster children?
Foster carers are needed in every part of ßÙßÇÂþ», from Woking and Guildford to Redhill, Epsom, and beyond. Children in care come from all over the county, and we aim to keep them close to the places they know and love.
When children stay in their local area, they can remain at the same school, keep in touch with friends, and stay connected to their community. This sense of continuity helps them feel safe, supported, and rooted during a time of great change.
ßÙßÇÂþ» is doing well in helping children stay close to home, with . This is significantly higher than the national average for children placed through independent fostering agencies (IFAs), where placements are often much farther from a child’s community.
With more local foster carers, we can build on this success and help even more children stay connected to their schools, friends, and familiar surroundings, which is vital for their emotional wellbeing and long-term stability.
Why is Fostering Important?
Fostering plays a vital role in the UK’s care system. As of , caring for thousands of vulnerable children. However, the number of new foster carers is declining and applications dropped by 18% compared to 2018–2019. This shortage means many children may not receive the tailored support they need.
Children entering care are often from disadvantaged backgrounds. According to the Office for National Statistics, (such as employment, education, health, or housing). Fostering offers these children a chance to break the cycle of deprivation and build a brighter future.
How can I help?
If you are unsure about becoming a foster carer or are not currently in a position to consider it, there are many other ways you can support the Fostering Service.
Please consider fundraising with ßÙßÇÂþ» through a for . Donating or organising a walk yourself will help raise funds and awareness to support Carers and children in care all over the UK.
Join our Independent Visitor Service (IVS) which recruits, trains, and supports adult volunteers to befriend children and young people in care. Contact them directly via email at independentvisitors@surreycc.gov.uk or call Veronica on 07929 728 935. You can find more information on our ßÙßÇÂþ» Jobs site listing.
At ßÙßÇÂþ», we’re proud to support foster carers not just at home, but in the workplace too. That’s why we’re part of scheme. This is a national initiative that encourages businesses to support employees who foster.
Nearly 40% of foster carers combine fostering with other work. A supportive employer can make all the difference, helping carers balance their careers with the vital role of caring for children. You can also become a Fostering Friendly Employer and enjoy the benefits! Through this scheme, we invite local businesses to join us in creating more flexible, supportive workplaces for foster carers across ßÙßÇÂþ». For more information please reach out to us at fostering.marketing@surreycc.gov.uk.
Fostering is a community-wide effort, and your organisation can make a meaningful impact. By becoming a ßÙßÇÂþ» Fostering Community Partner, you can support local foster carers by offering space for support groups or recruitment events, inviting us to your community gatherings, or providing resources and time that help us raise awareness and support families.
Whether you're a business, venue, or community group, your involvement helps children thrive. If you're interested in partnering with us, please get in touch at fostering.marketing@surreycc.gov.uk.