Welcome to Black Foster Carers Alliance (BFCA) — a national organisation dedicated to creating meaningful, lasting change across the fostering sector.
Founded by Rachel Cole, a registered social worker, former foster carer and sector leader, BFCA was established to address the systemic inequalities that Black children and Black foster carers continue to face. Our work is rooted in lived experience, professional expertise and a deep commitment to equity, belonging and cultural identity.
We exist to strengthen the fostering system by:
Supporting Black and Global Majority foster carers
Improving outcomes for Black children in care
Helping organisations deliver culturally responsive, identity-affirming practice
At BFCA, we believe diversity is not something to manage — it is something to value. We work to ensure that every child, every carer and every family is seen, heard and supported to thrive
Black Foster Carers Alliance exists to ensure Black and minority children in care grow up feeling safe, valued and proud of who they are. Too many children are placed in settings that do not fully understand or support their cultural identity, which can affect their wellbeing, stability and long-term outcomes. At the same time, foster carers and social workers often lack the training, tools and support needed to meet these complex needs. We exist to bring children, carers and professionals together, strengthening understanding, confidence and practice so every child receives care that is nurturing, culturally responsive and rooted in belonging.
We envision a fostering community that truly reflects the diversity of the children it serves, where every Black and minority child grows up in a home that understands, respects and celebrates who they are. Our vision is for every child to experience safety, stability and belonging through care that honours their culture, identity and lived experience. This includes ensuring transracial placements are properly supported, so children are not left to navigate difference alone. We aim to equip foster carers and social workers with the knowledge, confidence and resources to provide identity-affirming care, creating inclusive practice, stronger relationships and better long-term outcomes for children and families.
How we bring about change
Black Foster Carers Alliance works as a strategic partner to fostering services, local authorities and sector organisations to drive meaningful system change. We offer a range of training, consultancy and quality assurance frameworks designed to upskill teams, strengthen cultural competence and increase organisational capacity. Our work supports agencies to improve recruitment, assessment, matching and retention of Black and minority foster carers, while ensuring that children’s cultural identity, wellbeing and long-term outcomes remain central to practice.
Black Foster Carers Alliance works as a strategic partner to fostering services, local authorities and sector organisations to drive meaningful system change. We offer a range of training, consultancy and quality assurance frameworks designed to upskill teams, strengthen cultural competence and increase organisational capacity. Our work supports agencies to improve recruitment, assessment, matching and retention of Black and minority foster carers, while ensuring that children’s cultural identity, wellbeing and long-term outcomes remain central to practice.
Through culturally responsive training, reflective tools and workforce development, we equip foster carers and social workers with the confidence and skills to support Black and minority children, including those in transracial placements. By combining lived experience, professional insight and evidence-informed practice, we help organisations build inclusive, resilient systems that reduce placement breakdowns, retain skilled carers and create stable, nurturing homes where every child can thrive.
celebration of diversity within the fostering community. Together, we can create a brighter future for every child in need of a loving and supportive home.
Join us in fostering a community of support and understanding. Become an ally by engaging with Black Foster Carers Alliance. Your commitment helps break down barriers and empowers us to create lasting change. Together, we amplify voices, nurture diversity, and foster equality. Take the first step – let’s build a brighter future for all.