Fostering Liverpool
Liverpool City Council Fostering Service
Liverpool · Local AuthorityLocally run
Liverpool City Council's own fostering service. Ofsted judged the experiences and progress of children in care Good in May 2026, a big improvement since 2023.
What to know about Fostering Liverpool
Fostering Liverpool is Liverpool City Council's own fostering service. Carers get a dedicated fostering social worker and a family support worker, with education support, mental health support and a 24-hour support service all under one roof. Training is offered before and after approval, and there are local support groups and social events.
The package includes council tax exemption, a set-up payment of up to £500 per child, mileage expenses and a skills and children's allowance. Liverpool also gives carers free membership of Foster Talk and the Fostering Network, free Lifestyles membership for the whole household, access to a holiday home at Presthaven Beach Resort, and a reward when a friend you recommend is approved.
fostering.liverpool.gov.ukSupport at a glance
A dedicated fostering social worker and family support worker, with education and mental health support all under one roof.
A 24-hour support line for help and advice, staffed by social workers.
Foster carer mentors, monthly forums, baby and toddler groups, and the Liverpool Foster Care Association.
Skills to Foster before approval, the Reflective Fostering course developed with the NSPCC, and development days twice a year.
Free FosterTalk and Fostering Network membership, free Lifestyles leisure membership for the whole household, and access to a holiday home at Presthaven Beach Resort.
Council tax exemption, a set-up fee of up to £500 per child, and mileage for travel as a foster carer.
The Mockingbird Family Model
Liverpool runs the national Mockingbird Family Model and has launched its second Mockingbird hub, creating close-knit, extended families of foster carers.
Fostering households are grouped into small networks of around 6 to 10 families.
Each constellation is anchored by an experienced carer who offers peer advice and a familiar base.
Constellation families meet up regularly, so children and carers build friendships beyond their own household.
Children can stay overnight with a trusted constellation family, giving carers planned breaks.
Types of fostering offered
Allowances
Skills payment and children's allowance (rates not published online). Council tax exemption, up to £500 set-up fee per child and mileage expenses. Shortlist to check current rates. Figures checked September 2026.
Shortlist to confirm what you'd be paid
Areas covered
L: L1–9
What Ofsted say
Ofsted inspected Liverpool's children's services on 11 to 22 May 2026 and judged the experiences and progress of children in care Good. Inspectors said services had significantly improved since 2023, when they were judged inadequate.
Local authorities are inspected under the ILACS framework across all children's services. Ratings shown reflect the 'Children in Care' sub-judgment.
"Many children thrive in well-matched, long-term foster families and have a strong sense of their identity and long-term security."
"Assessments of prospective foster carers are thorough, and carers receive regular child-centred support and supervision from their social workers."
"Skilled and experienced social workers ensure that most children are supported to live in stable and suitable homes, where their carers understand and meet their needs."
Exceptional partner
Fostering Liverpool meets our highest standard: children in care rated Good by Ofsted, a therapeutic, trauma-informed model, a 24-hour support line staffed by social workers, mentors and Mockingbird hubs, and ongoing training.
How we award badges →