Fostering

On any given day around 140 local children are looked after by Reading Social Services. While they are away from their own families the best option for these children is to live with another family who can provide the care and support they need.

Fostering is a way of providing family care for these children and helping them stay in touch with their families and friends. Care may be needed for a few days or a few weeks or a much longer period. By becoming a foster carer for Reading Borough Council you can do something special and make a real difference to a Reading child who needs your help

Article		Description
	Introduction to Fostering	Why we need foster carers and why people foster
	Fostering - what fostering involves	What is expected of foster carers and why
	Who Can Foster - the Myths and Facts	Who can foster and the different types of fostering schemes
	Relief Fostering	Information for people who are interested in fostering but don't want to make a full time commitment to looking after someone else's child
	Fostering - support	Support available to foster carers
	Fostering - things to consider	Other things to consider before making a decision to be a foster carer
	Fostering - our assessment process	The preparation and assessment process for becoming a registered foster carer
	Fostering - placing a child	What happens when a child is placed with you
	Fostering - Expression of Interest	If you think you may be interested in fostering and want to know more please fill in our Expression of Interest Form
	Contact Us	Contacting the Fostering Team