Interested in fostering in Truro or anywhere in Cornwall? Cornwall Council says that around 30 to 40 children and young people in the county need a home at any one time, and there is a real shortage of local foster carers. Fostering locally means children can stay in Cornwall, close to their family, school and friends.
Fostering agencies in Truro & Cornwall
Fostering services based in Cornwall:
- Cornwall Council Fostering – County Hall, Treyew Road, Truro TR1 3AY
- Foster Care Associates – Bodmin – Callywith Gate Industrial Estate, Launceston Rd, Bodmin PL31 2RQ
- Five Rivers Child Care Ltd – Truro – Park House, Threemilestone Business Park, Threemilestone, Truro TR4 9LD
Fostering services nearby
- The Fostering Foundation – Exeter Region – 56, 58 Fore St, Exeter, Cullompton EX15 1JB
- Simply Fostering – 18B Church Hill, Pinhoe, Exeter EX4 9EX
- RSD Fostering – 32 Macadam Rd, Plymouth PL4 0RU
- Regional Foster Families (South West) – Unit 2, 15 Frogmore Ave, Plymouth PL6 5SH
- Pathway Care – Glentor, Balland Ln, Newton Abbot TQ13 7DA
- Foster Care Associates – Plymouth – Suite F2, Foresters House, Foresters Business Park, 41 Estover Cl, Plymouth PL6 7PL
You can also browse all fostering agencies in the South West.
Not sure which service to contact?
Tell us your postcode and we will put you in touch with up to three fostering services near you. Free, no obligation.
Get matched with a fostering agencyWhat fostering is like in Truro & Cornwall
Cornwall is a large, rural county, so services look for carers right across the area – from Truro, Falmouth and Penzance to Bodmin, Newquay and St Austell. Cornwall Council is part of the Fostering South West regional hub, which supports recruitment across the South West peninsula.
Council or independent fostering agency?
Council fostering services work directly with the local authority responsible for the child, and children are often placed close to home. Independent fostering agencies (IFAs) recruit and support carers on behalf of councils, often care for children with more complex needs, and may offer higher fees and extra support. Some IFAs are charities and others are private companies – it is worth speaking to more than one before you decide.
How much do foster carers get paid?
Every foster carer in England receives at least the government’s national minimum allowance to cover the cost of caring for a child. For April 2026 to April 2027 the weekly minimums outside London and the South East are:
- £176 for a child aged 0 to 2
- £182 for a child aged 3 to 4
- £201 for a child aged 5 to 10
- £227 for a child aged 11 to 15
- £267 for a young person aged 16 to 17
Most councils and agencies pay more than the minimum, and many add a weekly fee for the carer’s skills and experience. Foster carers also benefit from qualifying care relief, a generous tax relief. Always ask each service for its full fees and allowances.
For full 2026/27 rates across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, see How much do foster carers get paid?
How to become a foster carer
- Make an enquiry – a short, no-obligation chat with your chosen service.
- Home visit – a social worker visits to talk about fostering and your home.
- Training – a preparation course such as Skills to Foster.
- Assessment – a detailed assessment over a few months, including checks and references.
- Fostering panel – an independent panel recommends whether you are approved.
Fostering in Truro & Cornwall: FAQs
Do I need to own my home?
No – you can rent or own, but you will usually need a spare bedroom. See Can I foster if I don’t own my home?
Can I foster if I work full-time?
Sometimes, depending on the child’s age and needs. Read Can you foster if you work full-time?
Can single people foster?
Yes. You can foster whether you are single, married or in a relationship, LGBTQ+, and of any faith or none.
Learn more
Read our free fostering guide, see is fostering right for you? or browse fostering guides for other areas.