Fostering in the South West of England
From Cornwall to Gloucestershire, the South West needs hundreds more foster carers. Rural geography makes local placements especially valuable — keeping children in their communities.
Rural South West placements are particularly valuable — children placed locally keep their school place, friendships, and links with birth families. Every rural carer here makes a disproportionate difference.
What Fostering Looks Like in South West
The South West is England's largest region by area, with significant fostering need spread across rural and coastal authorities. Cornwall, Devon and Somerset all have high rates of children in care relative to population, particularly in coastal communities facing deprivation. The rurality makes local fostering especially important — placement far from home can mean children changing schools, losing friendships and losing connection with birth families. IFAs are an important part of the landscape, particularly in Devon and Somerset.
Types of Fostering Available in South West
Local Authority Fostering Contacts
Contact your local authority directly, or read our guide on LA vs IFA fostering before deciding.
| Local Authority | Phone | Website |
|---|---|---|
| Devon County Council | 01392 383000 | devon.gov.uk/fostering |
| Cornwall Council | 0300 1234 100 | cornwall.gov.uk/fostering |
| Somerset Council | 0300 123 2224 | somerset.gov.uk/fostering |
| Gloucestershire County Council | 01452 426995 | gloucestershire.gov.uk/fostering |
| Dorset Council | 01305 221000 | dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/fostering |
How Much Do Foster Carers Earn in South West?
Most LAs pay a weekly allowance only. A small number pay an additional professional fee for experienced carers.
IFAs pay a weekly allowance plus a professional fee. Most IFA carers pay zero income tax thanks to HMRC’s Qualifying Care Relief.
Want to understand these figures in more detail? Read our complete foster carer pay guide or our tax guide for foster carers.
Frequently Asked Questions — Fostering in South West
Do I need a car to foster in rural Devon or Cornwall?
Yes — a car is essential in most of Devon, Cornwall and Somerset for school runs, appointments, and facilitating contact visits.
Are there IFAs in rural parts of the South West?
Yes — several national IFAs cover Devon, Cornwall and Somerset. They often offer significantly higher pay than local authority rates.
Ready to Start Fostering in South West?
The next step is to speak with an agency or your local authority. Most fostering enquiries take just 10 minutes and carry no obligation.