Foster in Reading with us and change a child's life

Make a difference to a local child or young person that will last them a lifetime.

Welcome to our website! We’re glad you’re interested to find out more about fostering with us.

Brighter Futures for Children IFA is a not-for-profit independent fostering agency (IFA) rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted.

We are the only not-for-profit IFA in the Reading area. Our parent company, Brighter Futures for Children, runs children’s services in Reading and we work closely with its children’s social care teams. We are all independent of, but wholly owned by, Reading Borough Council.

To find out more about our parent company, Brighter Futures for Children, click on the button below.

LEARN MORE

Enquire about fostering

Thank you for your interest in fostering with Brighter Futures for Children’s IFA!

You can foster if:
  • You have a spare room
  • You are over 21
  • You live within 20 miles of Reading

When you have completed the form, we will be in touch with you via phone and email to discuss your enquiry. There is no obligation or pressure to commit by completing this form, we are here to help you decide if fostering is right for you.

Data protection

Brighter Futures for Children's IFA will keep your information in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018. You can read about how we use your data in our privacy policy.

  • To foster a child your home needs a spare room. This is defined as a separate space with a door and a window that is for the sole use of the child you are fostering.
  • As well as contacting you about your enquiry, we would also like to send you information about fostering by email. Please tick if you are happy for us to do this. You will be able to unsubscribe at any time through the link provided in the email or by contacting us foster@brighterfuturesforchildren.org.

Myth-buster quiz!

Could you become a foster carer? Unsure if you’re eligible? Answer a few questions and find out!

Childhood - a short film about fostering

Sophie and Charlie needed someone to care for them and give them the opportunity to blossom and grow. Will their story inspire you to take that first step towards changing a life? Fill out the enquiry form at the top of this page for an informal chat with our fostering team.

Our latest stories


Our Children in Care Council film

The Children in Care Council (CiCC) is a group run for our children who are in care. They meet regularly to have fun and talk about their experiences. They made this film in 2019 to help support other children coming into care and also to thank their carers for everything they do for them.

Play video 👍

Our partners