In Bradford we would particularly like to recruit foster carers who are able to care for:

• Brothers and sisters 
• Older children and teenagers 
• Children from BME communities in particular children with mixed ethnicity and increasingly those from new migrant communities
• Children that will be in foster care short term or long term
• Children with additional needs. This might include children with complex health needs and/or disabilities or behaviour that challenges. 
• Part time short break carers who are able to spare some time on evenings and weekends to have a positive influence on children and young people’s lives.

We welcome new foster carers from all different backgrounds, you only need to be over 18 and have a spare room to apply.
Bradford Council values the contribution of their foster carers and offers a generous support package. This includes:

• A financial allowance package based on your skill level and the number of children you are approved to look after with clear progression and extra allowances for birthdays and holidays. 
• Comprehensive training programme including the ‘Skills to Foster’ course and ongoing development opportunities. 
• A social worker specifically allocated to you. You can expect to have regular meetings which are a chance for you to talk through any problems and share information about children in your care. 
• Support groups for you and your family. 
• Membership of FosterTalk, a national independent organisation providing support for foster carers including advice, online forums, shopping and entertainment discounts, tax and personal finance advice, legal support, counselling and much more. 
• Max Card for you and your family to access discounts on activities and entertainment locally and nationally.
• Bradford Leisure Card for you and your fostering household to get discounted entry to Bradford Council’s leisure facilities including discounted swimming lessons, discounted or free access to sports centres, discounted entry to Bradford’s theatres and some local attractions

Staying local also includes additional benefits such as:

• Lower travelling distances, for example to school and meetings with birth families. 
• Links with Children’s Centres, schools and other professional services. 
• The benefit of our knowledge and experience as our teams have often been working with the children's families for a long time. We have a lot of important background knowledge which we can share with you. This also helps us to match children with the carers who are most suitable for them and their circumstances. Finding the best possible match for both the child and your family. We work hard to identify areas like shared interests, pets and hobbies that will help build a bond and rapport between your family and the child. 
• You will work closely with Bradford Council social workers and other staff as an important member of the fostering team.