Find a fostering service

Find a fostering service

What is a fostering service?

A fostering service recruits, trains, assesses and approves foster carers to care for children and young people who require a foster placement. A fostering service will either be part of the local authority / health and social care trust or an independent fostering provider (IFP). IFPs are contracted by the local authority or trust to provide appropriate foster care placements. Both types of fostering service are governed by certain regulations and standards, and must provide support, guidance, information and advice about the role of the foster carer and the specific children placed with them.

Use the map below or go to the search on www.fostering.net to find a fostering service near you. You should speak to each service and find out what they offer their foster carers in terms of support, allowances, training and fees. Some may also specialise in providing particular types of foster care. Read our choosing a fostering service information sheet (PDF) for guidance on the questions to ask.