We make sure you are fully supported as a foster carer.
Financial support
- Allowances for the care of the child/young person.
- A fee for you.
Ongoing support
- Out-of-ours support.
- A supervising social worker who will meet with you regularly and support you at meetings about the child or young person in your care.
- An experienced ‘buddy’ foster carer who can provide you with support and advice.
- Lots of training opportunities, including Skills to Foster training through the Fostering Network.
- Support groups where you can meet other foster carers and share experiences.
- Regular newsletters packed full of information and resources.
- Free membership to
- The Fostering Network, the UK’s leading fostering charity and membership organisation.
- New Family Social for our LGBTQIA+ carers, a national adoption and fostering charity for the LGBTQIA+ community.
- Bedfordshire Foster Care Association (BCFA), a useful organisation which runs regular events.
Something for your family
- Blue light discount card offers free or discounted admission to for foster families across the UK.
- GLL (also known as BETTER) operates a number of leisure centres across Bedford Borough. It offers free gym and swim access to people who foster through Bedford Borough Council (as well as to other members of their household including the children/young people).
Foster Care Charter
Our Foster Care Charter (PDF) explains what we can expect from each other and applies equally to all foster carers.
Get in touch to find out more
Alternatively, phone us on 01234 718718 or email fostering@bedford.gov.uk.
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