Adoption and fostering
This article contains information about how to adopt a child in South Gloucestershire, and support for people involved in adoption. It also includes information on private fostering and the related responsibilities.
Page contents
- Adoption services in South Gloucestershire
- Thinking about adoption for your child
- Private Fostering: looking after someone else's child
Adoption services in South Gloucestershire
In October 2019, local authorities Bath and North East Somerset, Bristol, Gloucestershire, North Somerset, South Gloucestershire and Wiltshire came together to provide a dedicated single adoption service. There are three main hubs in Gloucestershire, Bristol and Trowbridge.
Information on adoption and the support available is now on the Adoption West website.
Adoption West is the adoption agency of these councils:
You can also download the Adoption West Information Pack.
Telephone enquiries: 03303 550 333
Hubs:
Gloucester Office
Second Floor, The Link
Block 5
Shire Hall
GL1 2TP
Trowbridge Office
County Hall, Wiltshire Council,
Bythesea Road,
Trowbridge
BA14 8JN
Bristol Office
6th Floor,
B-Bond,
Smeaton Road
BS1 6XN
Thinking about adoption for your child
If you are considering placing your own child for adoption, you can contact us on 01454 866088 to speak to a social worker. You can read information on what will happen and where to get more advice on the CoramBAAF website.
Private Fostering: looking after someone else’s child
Private fostering is when a child under 16, or under 18 if they’re disabled, lives for more than 28 days with someone who is not a close relative. Close relatives include:
- Grandparents
- Brothers
- Sisters
- Uncles
- Aunts
- step-parents
- people with parental responsibility for the child
Children are not in private foster care if:
- they are only cared for during the day
- they are in the care of a local council
You can find out more about private fostering in this leaflet.
You must tell us about private fostering arrangements by phoning 01454 866000 or emailing accessandresponse@southglos.gov.uk