TGT Meets: Abi Randle from Fostering South West

We spoke with Abi, the Fostering Recruitment Support Officer at Fostering South West. We found out more about the work that is done by Fostering South West, foster care and more.

Can you introduce yourself and tell us a bit about Fostering South West?

My name is Abi, and I’m one of the Fostering Recruitment Support Officers at Fostering South West. We’re essentially the front door to fostering across the region, representing a partnership of 15 local councils from across the southwest of England. Our team is here to support anyone interested in fostering. We guide people through their initial enquiries, answer questions, and provide clear, compassionate information to help them understand what fostering involves. 

What is the core mission of Fostering South West?

At Fostering South West, our core mission is rooted in collaboration. By bringing together 15 local councils across the region, we ensure high standards of care, timely responses to enquiries, and the sharing of best practice across all our partners. This united approach allows us to keep children local, close to their schools, communities, and support networks, while also offering foster carers consistent, localised support. Our goal is to improve the lives of children in care by providing safe, nurturing homes and inspiring futures filled with stability, opportunity, and hope. We advocate that fostering isn’t just about providing a roof over a child’s head, it’s about creating meaningful relationships that leave a lasting impact. Fostering has the power to change lives, not only for the young people in care who find stability and care, but also for the carers who help shape their futures.

What are the biggest misconceptions about fostering?

One of the most important parts of our work at Fostering South West is challenging the common misconceptions about fostering. Many people believe you have to be married, own your home, or have professional childcare experience to become a foster carer but that’s simply not true. Foster carers come from all walks of life, and what matters most is their ability to provide a safe, stable, and nurturing environment. 

Many people believe that foster carers don’t get paid, but in reality, they receive financial support to help cover the costs of caring for a child.

Another myth is that children in care are ‘troublemakers,’ when they are young people who have often experienced trauma and need compassion and consistency to thrive. Some also think fostering is only for certain age groups or that you can’t work full-time and foster, but there are flexible options and strong support networks available, making it accessible for all. While fostering can be emotionally challenging, it’s also deeply rewarding- changing lives and leaving a lasting impact on both the child and the carer.

What do current foster carers say about the role?

Current foster carers across the South West consistently speak about the deep emotional rewards and transformative impact of fostering. Many describe the “little moments” - a child smiling for the first time in weeks, making progress at school, or simply feeling safe as the most powerful parts of their journey. Carers like Jo and Martin from North Somerset, Wes from South Gloucestershire, and Linda from Gloucestershire share how fostering has enriched their lives, strengthened their families, and given them a sense of purpose. They highlight the strong support from local councils, the value of community networks like Mockingbird, and the joy of watching young people grow in confidence and stability. For these carers, fostering is not just a role, it’s a life-changing experience that leaves a lasting legacy.

Fostering is not right for me at the moment- what else can I do?

If fostering isn’t the right fit for you at the moment, there are still plenty of ways you can make a meaningful difference to the lives of children and young people in care. You could become a fostering advocate, helping to raise awareness and encourage others to explore fostering by sharing information or supporting local campaigns. Another powerful way to support is by becoming an Independent Visitor, a volunteer who builds a long-term, trusted relationship with a child in care through regular visits and activities. Every action, big or small, contributes to improving outcomes and inspiring brighter futures for children who need it most.