Thinking about fostering in Cardiff? As the capital and largest city in Wales, Cardiff has a large number of children in care, and foster carers are needed for babies, brothers and sisters, teenagers and young people leaving care. This page lists the fostering services based in and around Cardiff so you can compare your options in one place.
Fostering agencies and services in Cardiff
Cardiff Council’s own service, Foster Wales Cardiff, is part of the national Foster Wales network. Several independent agencies also have offices in the city:
- Foster Wales Cardiff – County Hall, Atlantic Wharf, Cardiff CF10 4UW
- Calon Cymru Fostering Cardiff – Lambourne Crescent, Cardiff Business Park, 12, Cardiff CF14 5GF
- Supported Fostering Services – 4 Richmond Rd, Cardiff CF24 3AS
- SAfER Fostering – Suite Building 2, Eastern Business park, Suite 4, Aspire, St. Mellons, Cardiff CF3 5EA
- National Fostering Agency Wales – Solva House, Springmeadow Business Park, Cardiff CF3 2ES
Fostering services near Cardiff
- Foster Wales Vale of Glamorgan – Ffordd Y Mileniwm, Barry CF63 4RT
- Foster Wales Newport – Civic Centre, Godfrey Rd, Newport NP20 4UR
- Foster Wales Caerphilly – Unit 3, Woodfieldside Business Park, Foster Wales Caerphilly, Penmaen Rd, Blackwood NP12 2DG
- Foster Wales RCT – Ty Trevithick, Abercynon, Mountain Ash CF45 4UQ
You can also browse all fostering agencies in Wales.
Good to know: Wales is removing profit from children’s care. Since April 2026 no new profit-making fostering agencies can register in Wales, and from April 2027 existing profit-making agencies can no longer approve new foster carers. If you are starting your fostering journey in Wales, your local Foster Wales team or a not-for-profit agency is the best place to begin.
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 Cardiff
Fostering in Cardiff means helping children stay close to their schools, friends and families in the city. Many Cardiff children in care are from diverse cultural and faith backgrounds, and services especially welcome carers who speak Welsh or other community languages. Carers can foster short-term, long-term, offer short breaks, or support parent-and-child placements.
How much do foster carers get paid in Cardiff?
Foster carers in Wales receive an allowance to cover the cost of caring for a child, based on the Welsh Government’s national minimum allowance, and most services also pay a fee for the carer’s time and skills. Rates vary by the child’s age and needs, so ask each service for its current fees and allowances before you decide.
For full 2026/27 rates across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, see How much do foster carers get paid?
How to become a foster carer in Cardiff
Whichever service you choose, the route to approval follows the same main steps:
- 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 such as Skills to Foster.
- Assessment – a detailed assessment over a few months, including checks and references.
- Fostering panel – an independent panel recommends whether you are approved.
Fostering in Cardiff: FAQs
Do I need to own my home to foster in Cardiff?
No. You can rent or own, as long as your home is safe and you have a spare bedroom for a foster child. Read more in our guide Can I foster if I don’t own my home?
Can I foster if I work full-time?
Often, yes – especially for older children or short breaks. Every service has its own policy, so ask Foster Wales Cardiff and any agency you contact. See Can you foster if you work full-time?
How long does it take to become a foster carer?
Most assessments take around four to six months from your first enquiry to approval at fostering panel.
Other places
Also see fostering in Newport, fostering in Rhondda Cynon Taf and fostering in Bridgend.