Fostering is a way of providing a family life and home for children who cannot live with their own parents.
There are many different reasons why people start to foster but they all have one thing in common – a wish to make a positive difference to the lives of children and young people in care.
It takes a very special person to foster and we believe you can have an important part to play in helping transform a child’s life.
There are so many children who need fostering, including:
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children aged 0-18 years, but primarily those over the age of five
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children and young people from Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) communities
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brothers and sisters
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children with additional or complex needs
We have a focus on matching children who may need extra care and support from a foster family.
Children who have been trafficked or at risk of being exploited, may need extra care and support from a foster family, due to their difficult starts in life. We provide specialist training and support from our childcare professionals, as well as additional finance assistance to foster parents who can help and support these children.
Older children
Older children in care are often in need of the right support and understanding. What they need is not only a loving and caring foster family, but also clear direction, consistency and reliability to encourage their transition from unsure teenagers to active and healthy young adults.
Do you think you can foster older children? Regardless of your fostering experience, we’re here to provide you with the right advice, information and support every step of the way.
Find out more about fostering older children or teenagers with Barnardo’s.
Children from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities
We believe that all children and young people should have the support to learn about and appreciate their cultural heritage, beliefs and identity.
The lack of diversity in carers from Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) backgrounds unfortunately means that BAME children entering the UK care system are unlikely to be matched with carers from the same background or with the cultural experience necessary to understand their needs.
We want this to change. Find out more about fostering children from a BAME background.
Children coming into care with their brothers or sisters
Children who come into care with their brothers or sisters, are often separated because there are no suitable foster homes for them to stay together.
We know how important it is for children to be able to have a relationship between brothers and sisters and how infrequent contact can cause distress when siblings are separated. Keeping brothers and sisters together in foster care offers each child extra support and can reduce feelings of isolation.
If you have the space, time and commitment to foster brothers and sisters, we’d love to hear from you.
Find out more about fostering siblings.
Children with additional or complex needs
Children in care may have suffered neglect or abuse in the past. Some children who need foster care have mild or severe disabilities.
It’s important to have foster carers, including those who can offer short planned breaks, who are able to help meet their needs. We offer ongoing support and training so that together, we can help children with disabilities reach their full potential.
Find out more about fostering disabled children.
Children who have been trafficked or at risk of being exploited, may need extra care and support from a foster family, due to their difficult starts in life. We provide specialist training and support, as well as additional finance assistance to foster parents who can help and support these children.
By choosing to become a foster carer you can make a huge difference to a child's life - and yours.
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Fostering process
Deciding to foster is a big decision to make. But we’re here to help you every step of the way. Here, we answer some of your most common questions about fostering process.
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Who can foster
We welcome foster carers from all walks of life. Our carers come from a variety of backgrounds and have different life experiences, skills and qualities.
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Become a foster carer
The first step towards joining the Barnardo's family is getting in touch. Complete our online form or find details about alternative contact methods here.