Welcome to Gateshead Council's fostering service
We are committed to giving every young person the life they deserve
Welcome to Gateshead Council's Fostering Service. We're so glad you're considering becoming a foster carer, you've made a great choice by coming to us.
Life doesn't always go the way we think it should, and as a result there are children in Gateshead who need foster families to help them. Some of these children will return to their families after days or weeks but other children could be living with foster carers for a number of years, or even until they are grown up and ready to live independently.
We offer a service rated "Good" by Ofsted in 2019, who said "assessment and preparation of foster carers is effective" and "there is good support from supervising social workers".
But our offer is so much more...
We have a support network made up of a fantastic group of professionals, underpinned by our community of foster carers. Because we are a local authority, we are the most direct route to caring for looked after children in the borough. We can provide you with a range of training and can even fund qualifications for some carers if you're looking to go further.
We are confident that you won't find a better way to become a foster carer. But don't just take our word for it, visit our stories and let some of our current carers tell you more.
Our stories
Many people admire those who foster, and there is no doubt that our foster carers do an amazing job. Our foster carers aren't super human, they don't posses special powers. They're real, everyday people, like you.
See moreTypes of fostering
Discover the many different types of fostering available. We can help you decide which suits you best.
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Payments
You might wonder what kind of financial assistance is available as a foster carer. This section details what you can receive to support you and your foster child or children.
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Could you foster?
There's no such thing as a typical foster carer. Like the children who need them, our carers come from all walks of life. We're seeking people who are patient, flexible, understanding, determined and keen to learn. Your individual qualities and what you can offer to a child or young person are what matter to us.
See moreStart your journey with us today
We will support you through all stages of your fostering journey
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Training and support
Many of our children in need of a family have experienced difficult early lives. This can affect their behaviour and development. We offer training and support opportunities that prepare you for any challenging times. You will have the skills required to succeed and grow in your role as well as help on hand from our team.
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Starting your story
You've already taken the first step towards becoming a foster carer. The following page shows what you can expect if you become a foster carer with Gateshead Council.
See moreGet in touch
We're so glad you're considering joining us and can't wait to talk to you. Fill out a few details on the form below and a member of the team will get back to you as soon as possible.
Register your interest
