Interested in fostering?
Submit your contact details using the button below and a member of the team will be in touch.
You can also call us on 0300 1312797.
Thank you for considering joining us. A large proportion of our carers have over 15 years service with us, so we’re definitely a team to stick with.
Fostering is like parenting – but with a manual, training and a team of professionals behind you.
All our foster carers get a Foster Carer Handbook (see below), which outlines the practical aspects of fostering to help you with your day-to-day role.
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24 hour support
You’ll have access to a 24-hour telephone support from social care professionals should the unexpected ever happen.
Assessment process
You’ll be assigned a dedicated assessing social worker who will support you and your household through the assessment process.
You’ll also be able to access a foster carer buddy to walk alongside you during assessment and into your first year too.
Placement support
When you are approved you’ll have your own dedicated social worker to support you in your fostering role.
You’ll also get additional personalised placement support from one of our family workers as required.
As a local authority service, you’ll be part of a wider team of connected professionals across social care, education and health working together for the best outcomes for children in your care.
Peer support and self-care
You are entitled to up to 14 days respite if you need to deal with a family emergency or take a break.
You get free Fostering Network membership which gives you access to independent legal and financial advice, guidance and training from the UK’s leading fostering charity.
The Bracknell Forest Foster Carers’ Association runs regular social activities for carers, and you can also apply for free access to Coral Reef Water World, Bracknell Leisure Centre and The Look Out Discovery Centre when you need some down time (terms and conditions apply).
If you join us with a smaller support network or limited experience, existing Bracknell Forest Foster carers will gladly share their knowledge and experience with you.
Financial support
All carers receive an allowance to cover the costs of care and additional expenses and due to the national shortage of carers, it is unlikely that you will be without a placement.
See more on the financial support pages.
Practical support
To support your confidence and enjoyment of fostering, you’ll have plenty of opportunity to grow your skills, knowledge and confidence.
You’ll be introduced to the most practical aspects of fostering at the start of your journey with us by completing the The Fostering Network 'Skills to Foster' programme.
We then offer a blended learning and development programme - in person, online, daytimes, evenings and weekends - to help make sure you can access regular learning to boost your skills, expertise and confidence.
Our therapeutic hub offers advice on therapeutic approaches to care should you feel a child needs more support.
We also run regular wellbeing and supervision groups to reflect on and share thoughts on parenting issues and solutions with other carers.