About us and fostering
Local. Not for profit. Outstanding.
Shropshire Fostering is Shropshire Council’s not‑for‑profit fostering service. Our job is to make sure that Shropshire children grow up in safe, loving homes close to the people and places they know. Monies go back to supporting these children and the foster carers who look after them.
Shropshire Council’s Children’s Services were rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted in 2025.
The highest rating recognises the dedication, compassion and professionalism of our foster carers and our team. Together, creating the best possible futures for local children.
Rooted in our community
Shropshire Fostering is not a part of a national agency. We’re your local fostering service - based here in Shropshire, working primarily with Shropshire children. That means:
Children stay close to their schools, friends and communities
Siblings are more likely to stay together
Carers receive support from a team who know the area and understand local needs
Training, events and support groups are all delivered locally
You’re part of a community of carers who support one another
When you foster with us, you’re helping children right here in Shropshire.
Not for profit, people-first
As a council-backed service, we don’t make a profit from fostering. Instead, we reinvest in:
- High-quality training and development
- Dedicated local social workers
- A 24/7 advice line
- Local support groups
- Social events
- Guaranteed payments between placements
- Specialist support when you need it
Our focus is always on what’s best for children - and on giving you everything you need to care for them.
Rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted
Ofsted praised Shropshire’s fostering service for:
- Exceptional support for children in care
- Strong, child-centred leadership
- High-quality training and guidance for carers
- A culture of warmth, stability and ambition
This rating reflects the commitment of our foster carers, who provide safe, nurturing homes where children can thrive.
Why carers choose us
Carers tell us they value:
- Being part of a supportive, local team
- Feeling listened to and respected
- The chance to make a difference in their own community
- Reliable financial support
- Training that builds confidence and skills
- A service that puts children first
Many of our carers stay with us for years - some for decades because they feel part of something meaningful.
Join us in changing local children’s lives
Whether you’re just starting to explore fostering or ready to take the next step, we’re here to guide you.
Why our foster carers choose us...
“I have been so impressed by the fostering application process with Shropshire.
From the beginning, I have felt incredibly supported and valued by their affirmation of the skills and gifts I have to offer. But I have also appreciated their honesty about the challenges - I can see that they have wanted to make sure I understand what I am committing to so that future fostering is built on strong foundations. Throughout, I have been impressed at the level of communication between social workers and members of the team, all with the aim of ensuring that children and young people are matched well with carers - giving everyone a strong chance of success. I'm looking forward to the ongoing relationship with Shropshire - and am really grateful for what is a very involved but affirming process.”
Gary
“We have felt well supported throughout the assessment process by our assessing social worker and our family worker. It has been really interesting and valuable to reflect on our life experiences and to focus on the skills we each can bring to fostering. The Skills to foster training gave us an insight into the impact of experiences that children in foster care may have had and how to support them. It also explained what the expectations of us as carers are. It has also been lovely to connect with other carers as part of the process and to hear about their fostering experiences.”
Matt & Kathryn
“They bring so much joy. We love having our hearts and home filled with young people; no day is ever the same. We are very much a blended family, with me having three children, Rob having one son, and our foster children, who have also gone on to have their own families.
I remember every foster child because every one has a huge part in our heart. We are a fostering family and I'm proud to have all these extra kids who bring so much joy, banter and the stories I could tell, the fun we've had, the amazing times being this big family.
Our own children have gained siblings over the years, and my daughter, in particular, has grown close to one girl we fostered, and they present themselves as sisters.”
Paula
