How many children need foster care in Yorkshire?

Yorkshire and the Humber has over 6,500 children looked after across its 15 local authorities, which includes children in foster care, kinship care, residential care and other placements. This makes it one of the regions with the greatest need for stable, nurturing foster homes in England.

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. Yorkshire has 15 local authorities, each running their own fostering service. Fostering directly with your local council means you work wit...

How much do foster carers get paid in Yorkshire?

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

What types of fostering are needed in Yorkshire?

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

Do I need to own my home to foster in Yorkshire?

No, you do not need to own your home to foster in Yorkshire. What matters is that you have a secure and stable home environment with a spare bedroom suitable for a child or young person. Fostering services across Yorkshire ask prospective carers to have adequate accommodation, including space for...

How do I find a foster care agency in Yorkshire?

To find a foster care agency in Yorkshire, 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 y...

How many foster care agencies are there in Yorkshire?

There is no fixed published number of foster care agencies solely within Yorkshire, because fostering providers registered with Ofsted may operate across multiple local authority areas while still serving families in your part of the region. The most accurate way to determine how many agencies se...

What is there to do for kids in North Yorkshire?

North Yorkshire has over 700 family-friendly attractions including Flamingo Land theme park, National Railway Museum in York, North Yorkshire Moors Railway, Scarborough and Whitby beaches, and the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors for outdoor activities.

What are the school ratings in North Yorkshire?

North Yorkshire has 59 Ofsted Outstanding schools. The vast majority of primary and secondary schools are rated Good or Outstanding. The county has a dedicated Virtual School team supporting looked after children in education.

Are there many activities for children and teenagers in North Yorkshire?

North Yorkshire offers an outstanding range of activities including 17 youth clubs run by North Yorkshire Youth, watersports, climbing walls, football and cricket clubs, and performing arts classes across the county.

What outdoor spaces and parks are available for families in North Yorkshire?

North Yorkshire is home to the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors National Parks, Castle Howard, Stump Cross Caverns, and miles of coastline at Robin Hood's Bay, Runswick Bay, and Scarborough.

Fostering in North Yorkshire | Foster Care Agency

Fostering Across North Yorkshire

Explore fostering opportunities in towns and cities across North Yorkshire

Fostering in York

York is a historic city at the heart of North Yorkshire with a growing need for foster carers. Agencies recruit across the city including Acomb, Haxby, Strensall, Huntington, and Clifton. York offers excellent schools, green spaces, and a welcoming community for fostering families. The city has a mix of urban and semi-rural areas, making it ideal for carers who want the best of both worlds.

Foster agency in York →

Fostering in Harrogate

Harrogate is a spa town known for its high quality of life. Foster carers are needed across Harrogate, Knaresborough, Ripon, and Boroughbridge. The town offers a safe, family-friendly environment with outstanding schools and plenty of activities for children. Many carers here enjoy an excellent support network and access to training.

Foster agency in Harrogate →

Fostering in Scarborough

Scarborough is the largest town on the North Yorkshire coast with a strong community spirit. Foster carers are needed to support children across Scarborough, Whitby, and Filey. Coastal living offers children fresh air, outdoor activities, and a close-knit community. The seaside setting can be particularly beneficial for children who have experienced trauma, offering a calming, restorative environment.

Fostering in Skipton & the Yorkshire Dales

Skipton is a market town on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales with a thriving community. Foster carers here offer children a countryside lifestyle with excellent local schools, outdoor activities, and strong community support. Rural fostering is increasingly recognised as providing unique benefits for children, including space, fresh air, and a slower pace of life that helps them heal and grow.

More Areas Across North Yorkshire

Ripon

One of the oldest cities in England. Foster carers in Ripon provide stable homes in a safe, peaceful cathedral city with easy access to the Yorkshire Dales.

Whitby

A historic seaside town on the North Yorkshire coast. Foster carers here provide homes in a tight-knit fishing community where children benefit from coastal living.

Northallerton

The county town of North Yorkshire with strong links to children's services. Agencies recruit across Northallerton, Thirsk, Bedale, and Stokesley.

Thirsk

A market town in the Hambleton district. Foster carers in Thirsk provide a peaceful, rural setting with good access to services and schools.

Selby

A town in the south of North Yorkshire with affordable living and good transport links to York and Doncaster. A friendly community for fostering families.

Knaresborough

A picturesque market town near Harrogate with excellent schools and easy access to wider support services across the Harrogate district.

Malton

Yorkshire's food capital. A welcoming market town in Ryedale with a strong community feel, good schools, and a relaxed lifestyle for fostering families.

Settle

A small town in the Yorkshire Dales with a close-knit community. Children placed here enjoy stunning countryside, fresh air, and a safe, nurturing environment.

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. They will have an informal chat with you about fostering, answer your questions, and explain what happens next.

Home Visit

A social worker visits your home for an informal meeting. This is a chance to ask questions, discuss your motivation, and learn more about the types of fostering available.

Preparation Training

You will attend Skills to Foster training where you will learn about child development, attachment, managing behaviour, and what daily life as a foster carer looks like.

Form F Assessment

A thorough assessment of your suitability to foster. Your assessing social worker will meet with you regularly over several months to complete your Form F.

Panel Approval

Your assessment is presented to an independent fostering panel who will recommend whether you should be approved. The agency decision maker then confirms the recommendation.

Your First Placement

Once approved, your agency will match you with a child who suits your skills and family. You will be fully supported as you welcome them into your home.

Learn more about the fostering process →

Common Questions About North Yorkshire

Thinking about fostering in North Yorkshire? Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about the area.

North Yorkshire is one of the best counties in England for family days out. With over 700 family-friendly attractions, there is something for every age and interest. The county is home to two National Parks, miles of stunning coastline, historic castles, award-winning museums, and a huge range of indoor and outdoor activities. Foster children placed in North Yorkshire have access to incredible experiences that support their development, build confidence, and create lasting memories.

Flamingo Land theme park and zoo in Kirby Misperton
National Railway Museum, York Chocolate Story, and DIG archaeological adventure in York
North Yorkshire Moors Railway heritage steam train experience
Scarborough and Whitby beaches with donkey rides, rock pooling, and sea life centres
Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors for walking, cycling, caving, and waterfall trails

North Yorkshire has some of the highest-performing schools in England. The county is home to 59 Ofsted Outstanding schools, and the vast majority of primary and secondary schools are rated Good or Outstanding. For foster carers, this means that children placed in North Yorkshire have access to an excellent standard of education. Schools across the county are experienced in supporting looked after children, and the Virtual School team works closely with foster families to ensure every child reaches their potential.

59 schools rated Outstanding by Ofsted across the county
Harrogate Grammar School is one of the top-performing secondaries in Yorkshire
The vast majority of primary schools are rated Good or Outstanding
Dedicated Virtual School team supporting looked after children
Pupil Premium Plus funding available for every looked after child in school

North Yorkshire offers an outstanding range of activities for children and teenagers. From sports clubs and youth groups to creative arts, outdoor adventures, and watersports, there are opportunities for young people of every age and interest. North Yorkshire Youth operates 17 youth clubs across the region, and North Yorkshire Sport works with communities to promote physical activity and wellbeing. For foster children and teenagers, these activities are vital for building confidence, making friends, and developing life skills outside of the home.

North Yorkshire Youth runs 17 youth clubs across the county
Watersports including kayaking, paddle boarding, and sailing at lakes and coastal centres
Climbing walls, skateparks, and ninja obstacle courses in York, Scarborough, and Harrogate
Football, cricket, rugby, and athletics clubs with junior and teen sections across the county
Performing arts, music, and dance classes including PQA and community theatre groups

North Yorkshire is blessed with some of the most beautiful outdoor spaces in the UK. The county is home to the Yorkshire Dales National Park and the North York Moors National Park, both offering endless opportunities for walking, cycling, wildlife spotting, and adventure. Beyond the national parks, there are country parks, nature reserves, forests, and miles of coastline perfect for family days out. For foster children, access to nature and outdoor play is proven to improve mental health, reduce anxiety, and build resilience.

Yorkshire Dales National Park with family-friendly walking trails and waterfalls
North York Moors National Park with cycling routes, wildlife, and heritage railways
Castle Howard grounds with adventure playground, land train, and lakeside walks
Underground adventures at Stump Cross Caverns and Ingleborough Cave
Beaches at Robin Hood's Bay, Runswick Bay, and Scarborough for rock pooling and fossil hunting

North Yorkshire is consistently rated as one of the safest counties in England. With low crime rates, strong community networks, and a predominantly rural landscape, it offers an ideal environment for raising children. Many foster carers choose North Yorkshire specifically because of the quality of life it provides. The county has excellent health services, a strong network of children's centres and family support services, and a welcoming, community-minded culture that makes foster families feel supported and valued.

Consistently rated one of the safest counties in England
Low crime rates across both urban and rural communities
Excellent health services and family support networks
Strong community spirit and welcoming culture for fostering families
Outstanding quality of life with fresh air, green spaces, and safe neighbourhoods

Fostering in North Yorkshire

Why Foster in North Yorkshire?

Areas Covered Across North Yorkshire