UK's most established fostering agency
Barnardo's is an independent fostering agency with over 100 years' experience of finding families for children.
Over 30 fostering services across the UK
We have over 30 fostering services recruiting a broad range of carers across the UK. People who foster for Barnardo's join a team that continues the pioneering work that Dr Thomas Barnardo began in 1867.
Foster with Barnardo's
Barnardo’s recognises that your decision to foster will be one of the most important in your life.
Alternatively, use our information request form to request an information pack from your local service.
Find out more about:
- who can foster
- the children needing foster care
- how to foster and the fostering process
- types of placements.
Visit our frequently asked questions for information on fostering allowances and pay.
What is fostering?
Fostering is about looking after other people’s children when they are unable to remain with their own families. Foster care provides a safe, secure and stable environment for these young people, working with them, their families and the Local Authorities / Trusts to help most children to return home as soon as possible.
Foster carers are required to provide care to children and young people for a few days, weeks, months or even years depending on their needs.
Read our glossary for a definition of fostering.
Sue has been fostering with Barnardo's for over 7 years
Discover what it’s like to be a Barnardo’s foster carer by watching this video about Sue and Lauren.
Barnardo's fostering services - contact us
If you have lots of energy, understanding, patience and a sense of humour and want to change a child’s life for the better find out how to foster and about the fostering process.
