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 West Yorkshire?

West Yorkshire has the National Science and Media Museum, Royal Armouries, Hepworth Wakefield, XScape Castleford, and Harewood House.

What are the school ratings in West Yorkshire?

West Yorkshire has multiple Outstanding schools across all five boroughs, with dedicated Virtual School teams supporting looked after children.

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

Over 50 youth groups in Leeds alone, plus sports academies, Pennine outdoor activities, skateparks, climbing walls, and creative arts programmes.

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

Roundhay Park in Leeds, Pennine walking trails, Pugneys Country Park, Shibden Park Halifax, and Lister Park Bradford.

Is West Yorkshire a good place for foster families?

West Yorkshire offers affordable housing, excellent transport, diverse communities, and comprehensive fostering support across five boroughs.

Fostering in West Yorkshire | Foster Care Agency

Why Foster in West Yorkshire?

West Yorkshire offers a fantastic quality of life for fostering families. From Leeds' vibrant city centre to Halifax's Pennine beauty and Bradford's diverse communities, the region has something for everyone.

Both local authority and independent fostering agencies are actively recruiting across all five boroughs, offering full training, ongoing support, and competitive fostering allowances.

Carers from all backgrounds, cultures, and communities welcome

Both council and independent agencies across all five boroughs

Comprehensive training programmes and peer support groups

Mix of city, suburban, and rural placements available

Competitive weekly allowances and professional fees

Fostering Across West Yorkshire

Fostering in Leeds

Leeds is the largest city in West Yorkshire and one of the biggest in England. With a thriving economy, excellent universities, and a vibrant cultural scene, Leeds offers foster families an outstanding quality of life. Agencies recruit across all areas including Headingley, Roundhay, Armley, Chapel Allerton, and Morley.

Fostering in Bradford

Bradford is one of the most diverse cities in the UK with a significant need for foster carers from all cultural backgrounds. The city offers affordable living, strong community networks, and excellent family attractions including the National Science and Media Museum. Agencies recruit across Bradford, Keighley, Shipley, and Bingley.

Foster agency in Bradford →

Fostering in Wakefield

Wakefield has a growing need for foster carers across the district. Home to the Hepworth Wakefield gallery, Nostell Priory, and Pugneys Country Park, the district offers a mix of urban and rural living. Agencies recruit in Wakefield, Castleford, Pontefract, and Normanton.

Fostering in Huddersfield

Huddersfield is the largest town in the Kirklees district with a diverse population and a strong need for foster carers. With easy access to the Pennine countryside and a thriving town centre, Huddersfield offers an excellent balance of urban convenience and rural beauty.

More Areas Across West Yorkshire

Halifax

The main town in Calderdale with a proud heritage and stunning Pennine scenery. Foster carers benefit from affordable housing and strong communities.

Dewsbury

A diverse, multicultural town in Kirklees welcoming carers from all backgrounds. Affordable living with good schools and community facilities.

Keighley

A town in the Bradford district on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales. Semi-rural setting with good access to Bradford and Leeds.

Castleford

A friendly town in the Wakefield district with good transport links and affordable housing. Home to the XScape centre for indoor activities.

Pontefract

A historic market town known for its castle ruins and liquorice. Welcoming community with affordable housing and good schools.

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 West Yorkshire

West Yorkshire is packed with family-friendly attractions. From world-class museums and galleries to theme parks, adventure centres, and outdoor spaces, there is something for every age and interest. The region's cities and towns offer a huge range of indoor and outdoor activities that support children's development and create lasting memories.

National Science and Media Museum in Bradford with free admission and IMAX cinema
Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds, free admission with live demonstrations
The Hepworth Wakefield, a world-class art gallery with family workshops
XScape in Castleford with indoor skiing, climbing, bowling, and cinema
Harewood House with adventure playground, bird garden, and lakeside walks

West Yorkshire has a wide range of highly rated schools across all five boroughs. Leeds and Bradford both have multiple Outstanding schools, and the region's grammar schools in areas like Heckmondwike and Ilkley are among the best in the country. Each borough has a dedicated Virtual School team that works with foster families to ensure every looked after child achieves their potential.

Multiple Outstanding-rated schools across Leeds
Highly rated grammar and comprehensive schools in the Bradford district
Dedicated Virtual School teams in each of the five boroughs
Pupil Premium Plus funding for every looked after child
Continued improvement across Kirklees, Calderdale, and Wakefield schools

West Yorkshire has an outstanding range of activities for young people. Leeds and Bradford both have vibrant youth services, sports academies, creative arts programmes, and outdoor adventure providers. The Pennines offer walking, cycling, and climbing, while the cities provide skateparks, climbing walls, music venues, and community youth clubs.

Over 50 youth groups and clubs across Leeds alone
Football, cricket, rugby, and boxing academies across the region
Pennine countryside for hiking, climbing, and mountain biking
Skateparks, climbing walls, and trampoline parks in every major town
Music, drama, and dance programmes including community theatre

West Yorkshire has excellent green spaces despite being a heavily urbanised region. The Pennine countryside borders the western edge, offering stunning walks and outdoor adventures. Each city and town has well-maintained parks, country estates, and nature reserves that provide space for families to enjoy the outdoors.

Roundhay Park in Leeds, one of the largest city parks in Europe
Pennine Way and Calderdale Way walking trails
Pugneys Country Park in Wakefield with watersports and nature trails
Shibden Park and Hall in Halifax with playground, pitch and putt, and walks
Lister Park in Bradford with Cartwright Hall art gallery and boating lake

West Yorkshire is an excellent place for foster families. The region offers some of the most affordable housing in the north of England, outstanding transport links, a rich cultural scene, and diverse, welcoming communities. With five boroughs each with their own character, foster carers can find the perfect fit for their family.

Affordable housing across all five boroughs
Excellent transport via rail, motorway, and Leeds-Bradford Airport
Richly diverse communities welcoming carers from all backgrounds
Comprehensive fostering support and training from local agencies
Vibrant cultural scene with museums, galleries, theatres, and festivals

Fostering in West Yorkshire