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 South Yorkshire?

South Yorkshire has over 1,250 family-friendly attractions including Yorkshire Wildlife Park, Gulliver's Valley theme park, Cannon Hall Farm, Sheffield Winter Garden, and Magna Science Adventure Centre.

What are the school ratings in South Yorkshire?

South Yorkshire has many highly rated schools with multiple Outstanding-rated schools in Sheffield and improving standards across all four boroughs. Virtual School teams support looked after children.

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

South Yorkshire offers climbing centres, trampoline parks, football academies, youth clubs, and the Peak District for outdoor activities.

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

Sheffield has over 250 parks and is one of Europe's greenest cities. The Peak District National Park borders the region, plus Cannon Hall country park and Cusworth Hall.

Is South Yorkshire a good place for foster families?

South Yorkshire offers affordable housing, strong communities, excellent transport, and comprehensive fostering support across all four boroughs.

Fostering in South Yorkshire | Foster Care Agency

Why Foster in South Yorkshire?

South Yorkshire offers an excellent quality of life for fostering families. From Sheffield's vibrant culture and green spaces to Barnsley's friendly communities and Doncaster's family attractions, the region has something for everyone.

Both local authority and independent fostering agencies are actively recruiting, offering full training, 24/7 support, and competitive fostering allowances.

Diverse communities welcoming carers from all backgrounds

Both council and independent agencies actively recruiting

Full training, 24/7 support, and peer networks

Access to the Peak District for outdoor activities

Competitive weekly allowances and professional fees

Fostering Across South Yorkshire

Fostering in Sheffield

Sheffield is the largest city in South Yorkshire with a vibrant, diverse community and a significant need for foster carers. With access to the Peak District on its doorstep, excellent universities, and a thriving cultural scene, Sheffield offers foster families an outstanding quality of life. Agencies recruit across all areas including Hillsborough, Ecclesall, Crookes, and Walkley.

Foster agency in Sheffield →

Fostering in Doncaster

Doncaster is a welcoming town with a strong community spirit and a growing need for foster carers. Home to Yorkshire Wildlife Park, Doncaster Racecourse, and the historic Cusworth Hall, the town offers excellent family days out. Agencies recruit across Doncaster, Mexborough, Conisbrough, and Thorne.

Foster agency in Doncaster →

Fostering in Rotherham

Rotherham has invested significantly in children's services and needs more foster carers. The town offers affordable living, good transport links, and a strong sense of community. Agencies recruit across Rotherham, Maltby, Wickersley, and Rawmarsh.

Fostering in Barnsley

Barnsley is a proud town with a strong community and a growing need for foster carers. Home to Cannon Hall Farm and the Barnsley Metrodome waterpark, the town offers great family attractions. Agencies recruit across Barnsley, Penistone, Wombwell, and Hoyland.

More Areas Across South Yorkshire

Mexborough

A town in the Doncaster borough with a close community and good schools. Foster carers here provide homes in a friendly neighbourhood atmosphere.

Wath-upon-Dearne

Situated between Rotherham and Barnsley with affordable living and good access to services across South Yorkshire.

Chapeltown

On the northern edge of Sheffield with a semi-rural setting and easy access to Sheffield's wider support services.

Stocksbridge

A small town in the hills north-west of Sheffield on the edge of the Peak District. Peaceful setting with good schools.

Penistone

A market town in the Barnsley borough on the edge of the Peak District with a rural lifestyle and good access to services.

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 South Yorkshire

South Yorkshire has over 1,250 family-friendly attractions. The region is home to world-class attractions, indoor adventure parks, farm parks, museums, and easy access to the Peak District for outdoor adventures. Foster children placed in South Yorkshire have access to a huge range of experiences that support their development and wellbeing.

Yorkshire Wildlife Park near Doncaster with lions, polar bears, and giraffes
Gulliver's Valley theme park in Rotherham designed for ages 2-13
Cannon Hall Farm in Barnsley, one of the UK's top farm attractions
Sheffield Winter Garden and Botanical Gardens, both free to visit
Magna Science Adventure Centre in Rotherham with interactive exhibits

South Yorkshire has many highly rated schools. Sheffield alone has several Outstanding-rated schools, and all four boroughs have schools performing well above national averages. The Virtual School teams across South Yorkshire work closely with foster families to ensure every looked after child receives the educational support they need.

Multiple Outstanding-rated primary and secondary schools in Sheffield
Doncaster schools showing significant improvement in recent years
Dedicated Virtual School teams supporting looked after children
Pupil Premium Plus funding for every looked after child
Foster carers supported in choosing the best school for each child

South Yorkshire offers a brilliant range of activities for young people of all ages. From climbing centres and trampoline parks to football academies, youth clubs, and creative arts programmes, there is something for every interest. Sheffield, Doncaster, Rotherham, and Barnsley all have excellent leisure centres, youth services, and community sports programmes.

Rock Up climbing centres and Jump Inc trampoline parks
Professional football academy programmes at Sheffield United and Doncaster Rovers
Youth clubs and community programmes across all four boroughs
Tropical Butterfly House Wildlife and Falconry Centre
Peak District on the doorstep for hiking, climbing, and mountain biking

South Yorkshire benefits from incredible green spaces. Sheffield is famously one of the greenest cities in England, with over 250 parks and more trees per person than any other city in Europe. The Peak District National Park borders the western edge of the region, offering world-class walking, cycling, and outdoor adventures for families.

Sheffield has over 250 parks and is one of Europe's greenest cities
Peak District National Park on the doorstep for outdoor adventures
Cannon Hall country park and Wentworth Woodhouse grounds in Barnsley
Cusworth Hall and grounds in Doncaster with free admission
Rivelin Valley nature trails with watermills and stepping stones

South Yorkshire is an excellent place for foster families. The region offers affordable housing, strong community networks, excellent transport links, and a wide range of family-friendly amenities. All four boroughs have invested in children's services, and fostering agencies provide comprehensive training and support. The diversity of the region means foster carers from all backgrounds are welcomed and valued.

Affordable housing across all four boroughs
Excellent transport links via M1, M18, and rail networks
Comprehensive training and 24/7 support from agencies
Diverse, welcoming communities valuing carers from all backgrounds
Significant investment in children's services across the region

Fostering in South Yorkshire