Our story
Over twenty years of finding young people somewhere to belong.
WellCare Fostering Services was set up in 2004 as a private, independent fostering agency. From the start, our aim has been to make a positive difference to the lives of looked-after children — because children need more than just a home.
Today we work nationwide from our base in Ilford — recruiting, training and supporting foster carers, working closely with local authorities, and matching carers carefully with the young people who need them. More than 100 young lives have been supported through WellCare’s foster families.
Mission & values
What we stand for
“We provide a high-quality, professional fostering service — built on the belief that every child deserves more than just a roof over their head.”
Children need more than just a home.
We offer a wide range of family placements, each shaped around the needs of the child or young person in our care. Because children need more than just a home, we look beyond a safe bed to the stability, support and sense of belonging that help young people thrive.
For the local authorities we work with, that means a flexible, responsive service that offers genuine value. For the young people we care for, it means positive outcomes — and people who are committed to them every step of the way.
- 01
Understanding
Carers who understand each child’s experiences, and respond in ways that feel comfortable for them.
- 02
Stability
Fewer placement breakdowns, through training, supervision and hands-on support for every carer.
- 03
Chasing their dreams
Helping every young person grow in confidence, discover their talents and go after their dreams, in school, health, friendships and life.
- 04
Respecting identity
Placements that respect gender identity, race, religion, disability, culture and sexual orientation.
Standards & regulation
Regulated, inspected and rated Good.
As an independent fostering agency in England, WellCare is registered with Ofsted and inspected against national standards. At our most recent inspection, Ofsted rated us Good.
The standards we work to
The Act under which independent fostering agencies are registered and regulated in England.
For social workers & local authorities
Working together for children, nationwide
WellCare is a nationwide independent fostering agency. Since 2004, we have built positive, long-standing working relationships with social workers and local authorities across the country.
We believe the best outcomes come from working as one team around the child. We communicate openly, keep you informed and work closely with you to make sure every child’s plan comes first.
- NationwideWe support foster carers and children across the country.
- Positive partnershipsTrusted relationships with local authorities and children’s social workers.
- Support around the clockOur foster carers have support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Rated Good by OfstedRegistered and inspected by Ofsted. Read our report
Our team
One team, all behind you
WellCare's people work across eight areas, all focused on the same thing: the young people in our care and the carers who look after them. Choose an area to see what they do.
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Responsible Individual
Oversees WellCare on behalf of the organisation and is accountable to Ofsted for how the agency is run, making sure we meet every standard we are inspected against.
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Oversees WellCare on behalf of the organisation and is accountable to Ofsted for how the agency is run, making sure we meet every standard we are inspected against.
Our promise to foster carers
What you can count on
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A team that knows you
Your supervising social worker knows your family by name, visits regularly and is a phone call away when you need them.