Fostering in Leeds & West Yorkshire

Thinking about fostering in Leeds or elsewhere in West Yorkshire? Leeds City Council’s fostering service, Foster4Leeds, works alongside many independent agencies across Leeds, Bradford, Wakefield, Calderdale and Kirklees, so there is plenty of choice.

Fostering agencies in Leeds & West Yorkshire

Fostering services in Leeds and West Yorkshire:

• Viola Fostering Services – Shipley – Waterfront, 1st Floor East Suite, Salts Mill Rd, Shipley BD17 7TD
• Unity Foster Care – First Floor 4340, The Pentagon, Park Approach, Thorpe Park Gardens, Leeds LS15 8GB
• The Children’s Family Trust – West Yorkshire – 1A Brindley Way, Wakefield WF2 0XQ
• Team Fostering – Office 2703, Sugar Mill, Oakhurst St, Beeston, Leeds LS11 7HL
• Swiis Foster Care – Leeds – Unit 5, Pavilion Business Park, Royds Hall Rd, Leeds LS12 6AJ
• Precious Passionate Care – Birds Royd Ln, Brighouse HD6 1LH
• Orange Grove Foster Care Leeds – Unit 16, Pavilion Business Park, Royds Hall Rd, Leeds LS12 6AJ
• NFA North – Elant House Lowfields Business Park Unit A3, Old Power Way, Elland HX5 9DE
• Muslim Foster Network – The Faith Centre, Oakwood Court, City Road, Oakwood Ct, City Rd, Bradford BD8 8JY
• Fostering2Inspire – Office 26 and 27 – The Rear Walled Garden The Estate Office, Nostell, Wakefield WF4 1AB
• Foster4Leeds – Killingbeck Dr, Leeds LS14 6FD
• Foster Care Associates Leeds – Suites 3 & 4, Seven Hills Business Centre, South St, Morley, Leeds LS27 8AT
• Chrysalis Consortium – Fostering Bradford – 1 Thornbridge Mews, Bradford BD2 3BL
• Capstone Foster Care – Bradford – Cyprus House, 51-53 New Line, Apperley Bridge, Bradford BD10 9AS
• By the Bridge with Cambian Fostering – Leeds – Thornfield Court, Bruntcliffe Rd, Morley, Leeds LS27 0QG
• Brighter Fostering – Suite F, 2nd Floor, Brighter Fostering, Mabgate mills, Mill 2, Leeds LS9 7DZ

You can also browse all fostering agencies in Yorkshire and the Humber.

What fostering is like in Leeds & West Yorkshire

West Yorkshire is home to diverse communities, and services welcome carers from all backgrounds, faiths and cultures – including specialist services such as the Muslim Foster Network. Long-term, short-term, short-break and parent-and-child carers are all needed.

Council or independent fostering agency?

Council fostering services work directly with the local authority responsible for the child, and children are often placed close to home. Independent fostering agencies (IFAs) recruit and support carers on behalf of councils, often care for children with more complex needs, and may offer higher fees and extra support. Some IFAs are charities and others are private companies – it is worth speaking to more than one before you decide.

How much do foster carers get paid?

Every foster carer in England receives at least the government’s national minimum allowance to cover the cost of caring for a child. 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 the minimum, and many add a weekly fee for the carer’s skills and experience. Foster carers also benefit from qualifying care relief, a generous tax relief. Always ask each service for its full fees and allowances.

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

• 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 Leeds & West Yorkshire: 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, see is fostering right for you? or browse fostering guides for other areas.