Here’s a roundup of why you should seriously consider fostering.

1. Because our foster carers think you should!

If one thing comes up time and again when we ask our foster carers about why they foster, and why people should foster, it’s that it is ‘rewarding’. Whether they have been fostering for months or for years they all agree that it’s one of the most rewarding things you can do.

2. Because you could change a child’s life

As one of our carers say: ‘You can’t change the whole world, but you can change the whole world for one person.’

3. Because you could be the one to help a child feel safe on their first night away from home

No matter what age you are, it’s a daunting experience staying away from home. You could be the person that offers reassurance, understanding and love on that first night.

4. Because you could teach your own children empathy and understanding for others

If you have children who still live at home with you, your children could learn so much from fostering. From helping you to provide a stable and loving home, building bonds and connecting with other children who foster, it’s a life-enriching experience.

5. Because you could help us keep our children in Reading, where they belong

As our own children have told us, being able to stay in Reading is so important to them. If you live locally and can offer a home to a child in care, you’ll help them to stay at the same school and near their friends and birth family.

6. Because you may have amazing experience from bringing up your own family to offer to a child who needs it

If your own children have grown up and moved out of home, then you’ll have two decades of experience of looking after a child of all ages, from birth to young adult. Could you do it again for children who need that stable and loving family environment?

7. Because you’ll join a brilliant and determined community of carers in Reading

In Reading, we have such a supportive group of foster carers as well as a lovely and committed team of social workers too. Some have become friends for life and we would love to welcome you to be a part of the fostering family.

8. Because you know you can be an important stepping stone in a child’s life

Saying goodbye can be hard, children will move on from your home but knowing that you have played a crucial part in giving that child the love and care they need to flourish is key.

9. Because you’re eager to learn how you can best support a child

We provide plenty of training to ensure you have the skills and tools you need to support a child. If you’re hungry for knowledge, you’ll learn so much from practical skills like first aid to understanding childhood trauma.

11. Because you believe that every child deserves a decent start in life

Every child deserves love, support and stability in their lives. Our foster families provide children with positive experiences of family life. It is a hugely rewarding vocation when you can see a child in your care grow in confidence.

11. Because we have more than 270 children and young people in Reading who need you

We are not currently able to provide foster homes so that all of our children can stay in Reading, where they belong. We need more people in Reading to come forward about fostering.

12. Because Brighter Futures for Children IFA is local and not-for-profit

Our aim to to protect and enhance the lives of children and young people in Reading. We are not-for-profit and we are independent of, but wholly owned by Reading Borough Council. We work closely with all services surrounding a child’s care.

13. Because you’re ready to make a difference

You may have been thinking about fostering for a while. If you’re ready to take that first step to transforming a child’s life today, give us a call.

14. Because if it’s not you, then who?

If you’re unable to foster yourself, please do share our stories with your friends, family and colleagues. Fostering is a big decision to make, and a big commitment. We urge you and your family to consider whether fostering is the right thing for you as we do need more foster carers locally, who want to make a real difference and give our children a promising start in life.

…This is fostering.

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Our goal is to find more foster carers for our children and young people in Reading. How can you help? 

  • If you’d like to find out more about fostering and become a foster carer yourself, get in touch with us. Our friendly fostering team are at the other end of the line on 0118 469 3020. You can also enquire and you’ll get a call back.
  • If you’re not able to foster yourself but would like to help, you can help us spread the word.
    • Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn and share our posts
    • Tell someone if you think they’d be a great foster carer! This can be a family member, friend or colleague.
    • Invite someone to one of our information events.