Skip to main content

Fostering

Who can foster?

Fostering is when someone looks after a child or young person who is unable to stay with their own (birth) family. It could be for short period of time, or more long term depending on the circumstances.

The child or young person will live in your home, so they will need their own bedroom.

Who can foster

Almost anyone can become a foster carer, and we are looking for a wide range. You can be:

  • single
  • married
  • LGBTQ+
  • with or without children
  • working or not

You must:

  • be over 21 years
  • have a spare bedroom

Our foster carers reflect a wide range of circumstances, faiths and life experience. People of all backgrounds, abilities and ages are considered.

What skills are needed

Some experience in childcare would be useful, although not essential.

If you go ahead with the assessment process, you may well discover that you have plenty of skills and experience that will be really beneficial as a foster carer.

We do ask that you are able to:

  • Protect and care for the young person
  • Encourage them to achieve
  • Support and encourage hobbies, friendships and social skills
  • Be committed to developing new skills and knowledge
  • Support a child to have contact with family and friends
  • Have a sense of humour and be resilient

Get in touch to find out more:


Alternatively, phone us on 01234 718718 or email adoptionandfostering@bedford.gov.uk.

Download the fostering information pack (PDF).

Who to contact

Telephone
E-mail
adoptionandfostering@bedford.gov.uk.

Where to go

Name
Borough Hall
Address
Cauldwell Street
Bedford
Postcode
MK42 9AP
Get directions

Other Details

Age Bands
Parents and carers