You already have the skills, strength, and heart to change a child’s life. You’ve spent your whole life developing those qualities.
And we'll be with you, every step of the way. For over 150 years, we’ve been building a community that listens.
We're here for the real talk. The process. The support. The matching. The training. We’re here for the late-night calls, the early-morning worries, the quiet victories. Because fostering takes more than just one person.
It takes a community – you, the child, our network of foster carers, and us, Barnardo’s.
Not everyone is made for becoming a foster carer. But if you’re reading this far, you probably are.
Arrange a no-strings-attached call with usJoin us for a chat about fostering and hear from a foster carer.
There’s no commitment, the event is a chance to explore whether fostering might be right for you. By attending, you're simply saying: "I’d like to learn more about fostering with Barnardo’s."
These are nationwide events open to anyone across the UK. Whether you’re simply curious or actively considering fostering, we’d love for you to join us!
Hear from Jeanette, a foster carer and Lisa, a Barnardo's project worker.
You can learn more about Jeanette's experience of fostering or read advice from Lisa, alongside colleagues, about what social workers want you to know about fostering.
New to fostering?
Could you be a foster carer?
There are so many things about you that will make you a great foster carer, but there are a few practical things you need too.
What's the process?
Welcoming a child or young person into your life is an incredible thing to do - and a big decision to make. We'll make sure you have the information you need to work out if it's right for you and where you are in your life.
How we'll support you
To support a foster child, you need to feel supported too. With our round-the-clock helpline, a dedicated support worker, training, financial support and incredible community of foster carers there's lots of reasons to choose to foster with us.
Learn more about fostering with us
Foster carer payments and allowances
Whether you’re doing the weekly shop, getting your foster child new school clothes or organising their birthday surprise, we’ll make sure you have the financial support to give your foster child the best care you can, without worrying about the cost.
Different types of fostering
Every child is different and each has their own unique care needs. To help us meet them, we provide a variety of homes. These include short-term fostering, parent and child fostering, permanent or long-term fostering as well as short break care among others.
Children who need fostering
Fostering is a way of providing a family life and home for children who cannot live with their birth family. We have a focus on matching children who may need extra care and support from a foster family.
Transferring between fostering agencies
If you are a foster carer who is already registered with a fostering agency, you may want to consider transferring over to us. Depending on your circumstances, we may be able to fast track you through the assessment process Our friendly and local team will help you every step of the way to help you make the right choice for you.
Got a question?
We’re here for whatever you want to know about fostering. If you do have a question the answer might be on our frequently asked questions (FAQ) page. And if not, we’re always happy to chat.
What is fostering and why do people do it?
Foster care provides a safe, secure and stable environment for children and young people who cannot live with their birth family.
Not every child has a loving, stable home. When life gets tough or unsafe at home, some children and teenagers need a caring adult to look after them until things can get better. You could be the person helping change their life for the better.
If you want to talk fostering you can set up your no-pressure call and one of our friendly team will call you back within two working days. If you'd prefer to talk to someone sooner, you can call us on 0800 0277 280. Our phone lines are open from Monday to Friday, between 9am and 5pm.