Foster for West Sussex County Council
We are pleased to share a new film, The Run, which highlights the reasons why children come into care, and the life-changing impact you, as a Foster Carer, could have on children and young people.Â
Be inspired by our film, 'The Run'.
Your fostering journey
Why foster with us at West Sussex County Council?
We're not-for-profit
We operate as a strictly not-for-profit fostering service. Unlike Independent Fostering Agencies, all our resources are dedicated to supporting the lives of the young people in our care and our foster families across West Sussex.
We keep children in their local community
By fostering with us, you help ensure that local children can remain in West Sussex, maintaining important relationships with friends, family and school, accessing after-school clubs and much more.
Financial Support
We offer a competitive financial package of up to £32.3k a year (for each child in your care), including a £750 welcome bonus for those who join our fostering family. Plus additional payments for specialist roles, as well as allowances.
Matching Process
It’s our job to work closely with you to find the most suitable match between you and a foster child. We understand that every child is unique, and we strive to find the best possible match to ensure a successful relationship.
Comprehensive Training
We provide comprehensive training and opportunities for ongoing professional development to equip you with all the skills and knowledge you need to be an exceptional Foster Carer.
Professional and
Peer Support
With your own dedicated Supervising Social Worker, access to out-of-hours assistance, support groups and peer mentoring, there are many ways we support our Foster Carers.
Commonly asked questions about fostering
What is involved in fostering?
Fostering means providing a safe, stable, and nurturing home for a child who cannot live with their birth family. As a Foster Carer, you’ll offer emotional support, guidance, and everyday care to help a child feel safe, secure and valued. The role varies depending on the child’s needs and the type of fostering you choose – whether it’s short-term, long-term, emergency, respite care, or for a specific age of children.
Is fostering a career?
For many of our Foster Carers, fostering becomes a deeply rewarding full-time career. Foster Carers are self-employed and work from home, which is really attractive – especially if you need flexibility in a job around your own children and other commitments. While some Foster Carers continue working alongside fostering (if they can, depending on the type of care they provide), others dedicate themselves entirely to the role. Fostering is not just a job though, it’s a life-changing experience that makes a positive difference in a child’s life.
What pay will I receive?
Foster Carers receive a competitive financial pay with additional allowances to cover the costs of caring for a child. The qualifying care relief taxable income threshold for Foster Carers is £19,360, with many of our carers paying little to no income tax. The exact amount you’ll receive will depend on the age of the child, their specific needs, and the type of fostering you provide and how much fostering experience/training you have. Try our Fostering Payments Calculator!
What if I have children living at home?
Many Foster Carers have children living at home, and fostering can be a hugely rewarding experience for the whole family. Your children will have the opportunity to develop empathy, understanding, and to form lifelong friendships. Head on over to the Stories section to hear first-hand from our foster families who care alongside other children in the family.
When is the right time to foster?
There is no ‘perfect’ time to foster and people start their fostering journey at all stages of life. If you have a spare room and the desire to support a local child, then now is the right time to get in touch! Indeed, one thing that almost every carer tells us is that they thought about it for a while, and wish they had done it sooner!
Inspiring stories from carers and young people
Fostering stories
"We wished now we had done it sooner!"
"Teachers helped shape who I am"
“Thank you for just giving me your time, no matter how it was spent"
Find out how we can change a child's life together
There's no pressure at this stage. Whether you're at the early stages of considering fostering, or ready to take the next step, our fostering team are here to support your journey.