Thinking about fostering in Sheffield? Sheffield City Council runs its own fostering service, and there are independent agencies in the city and across South Yorkshire, including Rotherham, Barnsley and Doncaster.
Fostering services in Sheffield
Fostering services in Sheffield:
- Sheffield City Council Fostering – Sheffield
- Swiis Foster Care – Sheffield – Suite 11 & 12, The Quadrant, 99 Parkway Ave, Sheffield S9 4WG
- Foster Care Associates Sheffield – Business Park, 1 Europa View, Tinsley, Sheffield S9 1XH
- Chrysalis Consortium – Fostering – 48 Wostenholm Rd, Nether Edge, Sheffield S7 1LL
Nearby: Fostering Rotherham – Rotherham Council – Rotherham, Fostering Barnsley – Barnsley Council – Barnsley. You can also browse all fostering agencies in Yorkshire and the Humber.
Not sure which service to contact?
Tell us your postcode and we will put you in touch with up to three fostering services near you. Free, no obligation.
Get matched with a fostering agencyWhat fostering is like in Sheffield
Sheffield needs foster carers for children of all ages, including teenagers, sibling groups and children who need short breaks. Fostering locally keeps children connected to their schools, friends and family.
Council or independent fostering agency?
Council fostering services work directly with the authority responsible for the child, and children are often placed close to home. Independent fostering agencies recruit and support carers on behalf of councils, often care for children with more complex needs, and may offer higher fees and extra support. Speak to more than one service before you decide.
How much do foster carers get paid?
Every foster carer in England receives at least the government’s national minimum allowance. For April 2026 to April 2027 the weekly minimums outside London and the South East are:
- £176 for a child aged 0 to 2
- £182 for a child aged 3 to 4
- £201 for a child aged 5 to 10
- £227 for a child aged 11 to 15
- £267 for a young person aged 16 to 17
Most councils and agencies pay more than this, and many add a weekly fee for the carer’s skills.
For full 2026/27 rates across the UK, see How much do foster carers get paid?
How to become a foster carer
- Make an enquiry – a short, no-obligation chat with your chosen service.
- Home visit – a social worker visits to talk about fostering and your home.
- Training – a preparation course before or during your assessment.
- Assessment – a detailed assessment over a few months, including checks and references.
- Fostering panel – an independent panel recommends whether you are approved.
Fostering in Sheffield: FAQs
Do I need to own my home?
No – you can rent or own, but you will usually need a spare bedroom. See Can I foster if I don’t own my home?
Can I foster if I work full-time?
Sometimes, depending on the child’s age and needs. Read Can you foster if you work full-time?
Can single people foster?
Yes. You can foster whether you are single, married or in a relationship, LGBTQ+, and of any faith or none.
Learn more
Read our free fostering guide or browse fostering guides for other areas.