Leading fostering agency opens new office in Bristol

A leading independent fostering agency in the UK has opened a new office in Bristol to support more vulnerable children and young people. 

Foster Care Associates have opened their new office, FCA Western, at 30 Aztec West in Almondsbury.

They held a celebration for children and young people and their foster parents in the area where they could spend time and get to know each other.

Julia Willmott, registered manager for FCA Western, said: “With the ever-growing need for more foster parents, we’re really excited to be opening a new office here.  

“There are still so many misconceptions about fostering, but we want people to know how rewarding it is and the difference they can make to some of the West of England’s most vulnerable children and young people.  

“Our launch event was a grand success and a great opportunity for us to meet lots of children and foster parents from the surrounding areas who are already with us. We are looking forward to building a bigger fostering community here.”

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There are currently more than 80,000 children in care throughout the year - and that number is growing. 

It is estimated that an additional 3,000 foster carers will need to be recruited year on year, for the next three years to accommodate the influx of children coming into care.  

Last year, FCA Western’s neighbouring branch in the South West received more than 1,400 referrals from local authorities for children and young people looking for a safe home. 

Julia added: “The number of looked-after children is growing throughout the UK, and we are seeing an ever-increasing demand in the west. 

"Over the next few years there are likely to be more than 100,000 children and young people in care, which is why we’re encouraging anyone with an interest in fostering to come and have a chat. You could change someone’s life.” 

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Mark Cartridge, operations director at FCA, hopes the opening will see more interest from potential foster parents in the area.

He said: “Fostering remains somewhat of a mystery to so many people, but we invite people to get in touch, ask questions and learn how they can make a life-changing difference to children in Bristol." “Our foster parents are remarkable people, and the support provided by FCA is second to none. I’m looking forward to meeting new foster parents in the area, and continuing on FCA’s journey to support more children.” 

Established for more than 25 years, Foster Care Associates is one of the UK’s largest fostering agencies with branches nationwide.   Anyone who wants more information about starting their fostering journey with FCA Western is asked to visit: https://www.thefca.co.uk/regions/western/