Interested in fostering in Bristol? You can foster with Bristol City Council’s own service or with one of several independent fostering agencies based in and around the city. Bristol children of every age need safe, loving homes, especially teenagers and brothers and sisters who want to stay together.
Fostering services in Bristol
Fostering services in Bristol:
- Foster with Bristol City Council – Bristol
- The Fostering Foundation Bristol Region – 74A Regent St, Kingswood, Bristol BS15 8JA
- Swiis International Ltd – 4th Floor, Prince House, 43 – 51 Prince St, Bristol BS1 4PS
- Swiis Foster Care – Bristol – 4th Floor, Prince House, 43 – 51 Prince St, Bristol BS1 4PS
- Foster Care Associates Bristol – Office 19, 130 Aztec W, Almondsbury, Bristol BS32 4UB
- Five Rivers Child Care Ltd – Bristol – Suite 7 Westbury Ct Rd, Church Rd, Westbury on Trym, Bristol BS9 3EF
- Child Care Bureau Ltd – Broad Quay House, Prince St, Bristol BS1 4DJ
- Blue Sky Fostering Wiltshire – 73 Macrae Rd, Pill, Bristol BS20 0DD
You can also browse all fostering agencies in the South West or see fostering in Cornwall.
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 Bristol
Bristol is a diverse, fast-growing city, and services welcome carers from all communities. Fostering locally means children can keep going to the same school and stay close to the people who matter to them.
Council or independent fostering agency?
Council fostering services work directly with the authority responsible for the child, and children are often placed close to home. Independent fostering agencies recruit and support carers on behalf of councils, often care for children with more complex needs, and may offer higher fees and extra support. Speak to more than one service before you decide.
How much do foster carers get paid?
Every foster carer in England receives at least the government’s national minimum allowance. 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 this, and many add a weekly fee for the carer’s skills.
For full 2026/27 rates across the UK, 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 before or during your assessment.
- Assessment – a detailed assessment over a few months, including checks and references.
- Fostering panel – an independent panel recommends whether you are approved.
Fostering in Bristol: 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 or browse fostering guides for other areas.