fostering for West Sussex County Council
Could you give a child room to ?
Every child deserves a safe and nurturing home where they can grow and thrive. Right now, there are children in West Sussex who urgently need Foster Carers – people like you – who can offer them the right environment and care to help them flourish.Â
Would you like to find out more? We’d love to hear from you.Â
Why we need you!
Much like a sunflower seed, children need the right environment to help them grow.
Sadly, we have local children who have experienced neglect, abuse or other trauma, and they need care, guidance, consistency and stability to help them rebuild their young lives and thrive.
As a Foster Carer, you could be the one to provide that nurturing environment and make a real difference at a time when a child needs it most.
With your care, patience and compassion, a child will find the strength to flourish. And we will be here to support you throughout your fostering journey.
To follow the sunflower analogy, West Sussex County Council is your bamboo cane! Our team will be by your side, guiding you, and holding you steady through every challenge and triumph. With training and support, we care for you so that you can care for the children in your home.
Right now, in West Sussex, we have over 950 children in our care, and the need for more Foster Carers has never been greater.
Have we sown a seed? If you could give a child room to bloom, please get in touch.
Your fostering journey
Why foster with West Sussex County Council?
Financial Support
We offer up to £30,393 per year for each child in your care (fee dependant on the length of time a child is with you, their age and your fostering experience). Additional allowances apply for specialist roles, and to cover mileage, birthdays, and other key events.
Comprehensive Training
We provide comprehensive training and opportunities for ongoing professional development to equip you with the skills you need to be an exceptional Foster Carer. You can access courses specific to you and the care you provide so you feel confident to meet their needs.
Professional and
Peer Support
Each Foster Carer has their own dedicated Supervising Social Worker. You can also access out-of-hours assistance, support groups, and a peer support programme, so can always get answers to any questions you have - big or small!
Different types of fostering
Every child that we care for is unique and therefore we provide lots of different types of foster care tailored to their specific requirements. As a result, this means you can offer a type of care that suits your circumstances and existing skills and experience.
Help keep children close to home
Unfortunately, if children aren't fostered through their local authority, there are instances where they may have to be placed outside of their home town, removing them from valuable connections, friendships and support networks.
Work with a not-for-profit
As a local authority, we operate strictly on a not-for-profit basis, with the best interests and needs of the children we care for and our Foster Carers at the heart of everything we do. This means that all our financial resources are dedicated to improving our services.
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
Fostering is all about “Enjoying lots of sprinkles!"
“They are the best people I have ever met and I'm so thankful"
“Seeing them develop confidence has been a pleasure!"
Ready to sow the first seed and find out more about fostering?
Whether you’re at the early stages of wanting more information about fostering, or ready to take the next step, our team is here to support you. There's no pressure from us.