Foster Carers

Job summary

Foster carers are ordinary people who are approved to look after vulnerable children and young people who are in the care of Wiltshire Council within their own home.

Main duties of the job

To become an approved Wiltshire foster carer the person needs to:Be at least 21 years oldHave a spare bedroomBe a full-time resident in the UK or have leave to remainBe able to give the physical and emotional time to care for a child or young person on a full or part-time basisOne person in the home will also need to driveWiltshire Council needs foster carers of all types, especially those who can look after:Individual childrenSibling groupsTeenagersChildren with disabilitiesYoung people 16 years +

About us

Wiltshire Councils fostering service offers an attractive payment structure for our foster carers:

1. Home Away from Home Carers - £350 per week, per child*As a Home Away from Home foster carer you will have support from a fostering social worker and comprehensive training to gain experience and knowledge to provide a trauma informed approach to children and young people in your care.

2.Home Away from Home Advanced foster carers - £450 per week, per child*As a Home Away from Home Advanced foster carer you will be able to evidence additional skills and experience of either fostering or working with children and young people, e.g. teachers, child care workers or paediatric nurses.

3. Home Away from Home Specialist - £650 per week, per child*As a Home Away from Home Specialist foster carer you will have the knowledge and skills to support children and young people who have complex needs, with greater support from their social worker and enhanced training opportunities and expectations. At least one carer to remain at home full time.

In addition to the payment structure, there will be an additional £1000 per year, per child for their birthday, a festival and two weeks holiday allowance.

These payments are made for each child, each week they live with the foster carers. However, you will need to be aware that no payments are made if children or young people are not living in your home and your skill level will be assessed and agreed during your fostering assessment.