Friday Prayers @ Islam Mosque 27th January

Are you a person of faith? In Bradford, we are working hard to encourage more families of faith to foster with us.

Why foster for Bradford?

Bradford Fostering is the largest fostering agency in the Bradford district. As the main provider for fostering in the district, we make sure that the children and young people we are responsible for, are placed in the best fostering families possible and we prioritise foster families who work with us directly.

We offer a wide range of training and support from social workers, medical colleagues, therapists (if required), educational support and a great network of experienced foster carers. We also provide generous fees and allowances.

We are an inclusive fostering service, and we work with many foster families that practice their religion. We welcome and are respectful of all faiths.

Fostering, faith and culture

Living with families who share their cultural experiences gives children a sense of familiarity and security. It’s also easier if the foster carers understand any specific dietary needs or can share their participation in religious festivals or ceremonies. Being able to do so improves the experience of children in care and is more likely to lead to a successful later life.

Because of this, we welcome applications from people from BAME communities – whether you’re married, single, a single parent or gay. We’re an inclusive, equal opportunities fostering community and treat everyone’s application in exactly the same way. We are looking for more foster families that have the energy and commitment to become a foster carer, and genuinely want to make a positive difference to the lives of vulnerable children.

However, because there’s a shortage of foster carers, we also welcome people who are willing to step in and support children with a different faith or culture than their own. The objective is to provide love and care, but also to help the child maintain their cultural connection and beliefs as well as regular contact with their birth family.

As a foster carer with Bradford, you need to be willing to take in a child who may look at the world very differently to you, so you must be open-minded and non-judgmental. 

Whether this is a type of fostering you’d enjoy is a very personal choice, but it’s one that many foster carers make. If so, we’ll support you with additional training to give you a detailed insight into the cultural and faith needs of the children in your care.