How many children need foster care in the North East?

The North East of England has over 5,000 looked-after children across its 12 local authorities, which includes children in foster care, kinship care, residential care and other placements. This makes it one of the regions with the highest rates of looked-after children per head of population in E...

Should I foster with the local authority or an independent agency?

Choosing to foster with a local authority or with an independent fostering agency depends on the kind of support, structure and matching approach you prefer. The North East has 12 local authorities, each running their own fostering service. Fostering directly with your local council means you wor...

How much do foster carers get paid in the North East?

Foster carer payments in the North East vary depending on the provider, the child's age and individual needs, and whether you are approved through the local authority or an IFA. All foster carers receive weekly allowances to cover the cost of caring for a child, including food, clothing, pocket m...

What types of fostering are needed in the North East?

The North East needs foster carers across a range of fostering types because children come into care for many different reasons and at various ages. Local recruitment across the region highlights the need for carers who can support infants, younger children and older children and teenagers, along...

Do I need to own my home to foster in the North East?

No, you do not need to own your home to foster in the North East. What matters is that you have a secure and stable home environment with a spare bedroom suitable for a child or young person, including space for their personal bed and belongings.

How do I find a foster care agency in the North East?

Start by using Ofsted's provider search, which lists registered fostering services and their inspection reports so you can compare quality and ratings. You can search by location and the category “Fostering” to see all agencies that work in your area of the North East.

How many foster care agencies are there in the North East?

There is no fixed published number of foster care agencies solely within the North East, because fostering providers registered with Ofsted may operate across multiple local authority areas. The North East has over 30 fostering providers including 12 local authority services and numerous independ...

Fostering in North East England | Foster Care Agency

Why Foster in the North East?

The North East is known for its warmth, resilience, and incredible sense of community. It is also a region with a high demand for foster carers. Thousands of children across Tyne and Wear, County Durham, and Teesside need safe, loving homes.

Both local authority and independent fostering agencies offer full training, 24/7 support, and competitive fostering allowances. The region's affordable housing, excellent transport, and family-friendly communities make it an ideal place to foster.

One of the strongest community cultures in England

Some of the most affordable housing in the country

Both council and independent agencies actively recruiting

Full training, 24/7 support, and peer networks

Competitive weekly allowances and professional fees

Fostering Across the North East

Fostering in Newcastle

Newcastle is the largest city in the North East with a vibrant culture and a significant need for foster carers. Home to the Centre for Life science museum, Great North Museum, Discovery Museum, and St James' Park, the city offers outstanding family attractions. Agencies recruit across Jesmond, Gosforth, Heaton, Fenham, and all areas of the city.

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Fostering in Sunderland

Sunderland is a coastal city with a proud heritage and a growing need for foster carers. Home to the National Glass Centre, Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens, and beautiful coastline at Roker and Seaburn, the city offers a fantastic environment for foster families.

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Fostering in Durham

Durham is a UNESCO World Heritage city with a stunning cathedral, castle, and riverside setting. County Durham has a significant need for foster carers across the county, from the city itself to towns like Bishop Auckland, Consett, and Chester-le-Street. Beamish Museum, one of the North East's most loved attractions, is located here.

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Fostering in Middlesbrough

Middlesbrough is the largest town in Teesside with a diverse community and a significant need for foster carers. With excellent parks including Albert Park and Stewart Park, plus the nearby North York Moors, the area offers great outdoor spaces for families.

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The Fostering Process

Becoming a foster carer is a rewarding journey. Here are the key steps from your first enquiry to welcoming a child into your home.

Initial Enquiry

Get in touch with a fostering agency for an informal chat about fostering and what happens next.

Home Visit

A social worker visits your home to discuss your motivation and answer your questions.

Training

Skills to Foster training covering child development, attachment, and daily life as a carer.

Assessment

A thorough Form F assessment over several months with your social worker.

Panel Approval

Your assessment goes to an independent panel who recommend approval.

First Placement

You are matched with a child and fully supported as you welcome them home.

Learn more about the fostering process →

Common Questions About the North East

The North East is packed with world-class family attractions. From interactive science museums and heritage railways to stunning castles and beautiful coastline, there is something for every age and interest. Many attractions offer free or low-cost admission, making family days out accessible for everyone. Foster children placed in the North East have access to experiences that build confidence, spark curiosity, and create lasting memories.

Beamish Museum, the North East's most loved open-air heritage museum
Centre for Life in Newcastle with planetarium, play zone, and dinosaur exhibitions
Alnwick Castle and Garden with Lilidorei, the world's largest play structure
Adventure Valley near Durham with 18,000 sq ft indoor soft play and outdoor adventures
Hadrian's Wall and Vindolanda for Roman history and stunning countryside walks

The North East has a strong education system with many Good and Outstanding schools. Newcastle, Durham, and Northumberland have particularly well-regarded schools. Each local authority has a Virtual School team that works closely with foster families to ensure every looked after child receives tailored educational support.

Multiple Outstanding-rated schools across Newcastle and Northumberland
Strong school performance across County Durham
Dedicated Virtual School teams in every local authority
Pupil Premium Plus funding for every looked after child
Home to leading universities in Newcastle, Durham, and Sunderland

The North East offers a brilliant range of activities for young people. From watersports at Tees Barrage and high ropes courses to go-karting, climbing walls, and youth clubs, there are opportunities across the region. Newcastle and Sunderland have thriving youth services, sports academies, and creative arts programmes.

Tees Barrage with white water rafting, kayaking, and the Air Trail high ropes
BattleKart in Gateshead with augmented reality go-karting
Youth clubs and community programmes across Tyne and Wear
Football academies at Newcastle United and Sunderland AFC
Gibside National Trust with adventure playground and forest trails

The North East has outstanding green spaces and coastline. From Jesmond Dene in Newcastle to Hamsterley Forest in Durham and the stunning Northumberland coast, there are endless opportunities for outdoor family activities. The region also boasts numerous country parks, nature reserves, and National Trust properties.

Jesmond Dene, Newcastle's jewel with ancient woodland and wildlife
Northumberland coast with Bamburgh, Seahouses, and Alnmouth beaches
Hamsterley Forest with walking trails, play structures, and mountain biking
Roker and Seaburn beaches in Sunderland for family seaside days
Durham Dales and Teesdale for stunning countryside walks and waterfalls

The North East is known for its strong community spirit and welcoming culture. The region offers some of the most affordable housing in England, excellent transport links via the Metro, rail, and road networks, and a comprehensive range of family services. Foster carers in the North East consistently report feeling well supported by their agencies and valued by their communities.

Some of the most affordable housing in England
Excellent transport via Tyne and Wear Metro, rail, and A1/A19
Famous community spirit and welcoming culture
Comprehensive training and 24/7 support from agencies
Strong network of family services and children's centres

Fostering in the North East