Fostering in Somerset
There are many children across Somerset that unfortunately cannot live with their families, for various reasons. It could be due to household circumstances such as illness or relationship breakdown – but sadly it can also be due to neglect. TACT is looking for caring and dedicated foster carers in Somerset who can provide these young people with the care, stability and support they need.
If you have a spare room, a warm and understanding nature, and the dedication to offer a safe and welcoming home, you could play an important role as part of our Fostering Somerset team!
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Can I foster in Somerset?
You don’t need any prior experience to start fostering in Somerset. To proceed with your application, you’ll first need to meet the following basic requirements:
- Be aged 21 or over (there is no upper age limit).
- Have at least one spare bedroom available.
- Be a full-time UK resident or have indefinite leave to remain.
You’ll also need the time, flexibility, and dedication to fully commit to fostering. Good written and spoken English skills are essential, as you’ll be working with other professionals and maintaining clear records about the progress and wellbeing of the young people in your care.
Full Training
You don’t need any previous experience or formal qualifications to become a foster carer.
We offer thorough training to ensure you feel confident, well-informed, and prepared to welcome a child into your home. This training is delivered both online and in person.
As part of the assessment process, you’ll take part in an introductory course called Skills to Foster. This short online course provides a clear introduction to fostering and gives you the opportunity to ask questions throughout.
Once you’re approved as a foster carer with TACT, you’ll be able to access a wide range of ongoing training opportunities to continue developing your skills and strengthen the support you offer to children and young people in Somerset.
We also provide specialist training to give you the knowledge and confidence to care for children with additional or more complex needs.
24/7 Support
At TACT, we recognise how vital reliable, round-the-clock support is for foster carers. That’s why we reinvest any surplus back into enhancing our services, ensuring you can access advice and guidance whenever you need it.
As a TACT foster carer, you’ll be supported by a dedicated Supervising Social Worker. With a manageable caseload, they’re able to offer tailored guidance and consistent support, helping you make a real and lasting difference in children’s lives.
This is what we provide:
- Full 24/7 support. Your Supervising Social Worker will be your main point of contact, and our out-of-hours service is on hand to provide advice and support whenever you need it.
- Foster carer portal. A user-friendly online platform that gives you access to essential information, training, resources, and practical guidance to support you throughout every stage of your fostering journey.
- Education service. A dedicated specialist team committed to helping the children in your care reach their full potential through personalised educational support.
- Health service. A service focused on the mental health and wellbeing of the young people in your care.
- Support groups. Local groups across Somerset and nearby areas where you can connect with other foster carers, share experiences, and develop a strong support network.
- Therapeutic support groups. Monthly sessions designed for carers supporting children who have experienced complex trauma and/or attachment difficulties.
- Support for young people. Our Children’s Wellbeing Practitioners organise activities, events, and resources designed to enhance the lives and experiences of the children in your care.
- Supporting your own children. We recognise the important role your own children play in fostering. Through our Children Who Foster events, they can connect with others in similar situations and share their experiences.
- Peer support. Whenever possible, experienced TACT foster carers provide practical guidance, reassurance, and peer-to-peer support to those just starting their fostering journey.
Our Therapeutic Support Groups
Caring for children who have experienced complex trauma or attachment difficulties requires specialist knowledge and ongoing professional support.
These early experiences can lead children to see the world as unsafe and relationships as unpredictable, which may affect how they connect with others. This sometimes results in certain behaviours that can escalate quickly.
Our monthly Therapeutic Support Groups provide foster carers with a safe, non-judgemental space to reflect on their experiences alongside a supportive peer network. These sessions offer opportunities to explore behaviours and key topics, develop practical strategies, celebrate successes, and strengthen shared skills. Participating in trauma-informed discussions about both challenges and aspirations can enhance resilience and deepen understanding of the emotional needs of the children in your care.
Pay & Allowances
Foster carers are dedicated, skilled professionals, and our fees and allowances reflect the important impact they have on children’s lives.
Through our partnership with Somerset Council, we receive funding to support children and young people in the local community. This allows us to provide high-quality services and comprehensive support to our foster carers.
The fostering allowance you receive will depend on factors such as the type of care you provide, the number and ages of the children in your care, and the complexity of their individual needs.
There are also payments for children’s birthdays, holidays and religious festivals. We also pay long service awards and a Refer a Friend fee (if you recommend someone who then goes on to be an approved foster carer with us).
Below, you can find examples of the weekly Fostering Somerset payments you could receive when a young person is placed in your care:
Meet The Area Manager
“TACT’s values strongly align with my own – and as a charity, I appreciate that every penny is reinvested into supporting the children and young people we care for. I’m passionate about improving outcomes for children and have particular interests in contextual safeguarding and positive leadership.”
Sara Gullick – TACT Area Manager South West
Sara joined TACT in 2026, having previously worked across local authorities and other independent fostering agencies as a social worker and senior manager. Sara has also fostered herself, which has provided her with first hand experience of providing care for children and young people.
Rated ‘GOOD’ By Ofsted
Following an inspection in April 2025, Ofsted have announced that TACT South West has been rated ‘GOOD’ for its work with foster carers and looked after children.
“Foster carers support children to participate in social, leisure, and faith-based activities, in line with their wishes. In addition, children have enjoyed attending activities and events facilitated by the agency, including a residential music camp and an awards ceremony that celebrated their achievements. These activities help children to build positive memories.” – Ofsted, 2025
What Our Foster Carers Say
“TACT stood out from all the rest for professionalism and the comprehensive training and support they offered to carers. It also helped that TACT is a charity, so I knew it was not profiting from children in care.”
Joe & Sue – TACT Foster Carers since 2019
Fostering Information Events
- March 10, 2026
- East Midlands, London, North West, Scotland, South West, Virtual, Wales, West Midlands, Yorkshire & North East,
- Time: 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Virtual Information Event – 10th March
Our virtual information event on 10th March is the perfect opportunity to learn more from the comfort of your own home.
- March 11, 2026
- South West
- Time: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Salisbury Information Event – 11th March
Live in the South West? Come along to our fostering information event at Culture Coffee, Salisbury on Wed 11th March to learn more about becoming a foster carer.
- March 20, 2026
- East Midlands, London, North West, Scotland, South West, Virtual, Wales, West Midlands, Yorkshire & North East,
- Time: 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Virtual Information Event – 20th March
Our virtual information event on 20th March is the perfect opportunity to learn more from the comfort of your own home.
Start Your Fostering Journey
