Fostering in Manchester

Manchester and the wider Greater Manchester area have one of the largest choices of fostering services in England. You can foster with Manchester City Council, with neighbouring councils such as Salford, Bury and Rochdale, or with one of the many independent fostering agencies based in the city region.

Fostering agencies in Manchester

Fostering services in Manchester and Greater Manchester:

• Manchester City Council Fostering – Manchester
• Together Trust – Fostering Service – Schools Hill, Cheadle SK8 1JE
• The Fostering Team – 57A Buxton Rd, Heaviley, Stockport SK2 6NB
• The Fostering Partnership – 1 Devonshire St N, Manchester M12 6JH
• Swiis Foster Care – Manchester – 15 Warwick Rd, Old Trafford, Stretford, Manchester M16 0QQ
• Sparks Fostering – 9 Owen St., Manchester M15 4UG
• Salford City Council Adoption & Fostering Agency – 145 Chorley Rd, Swinton, Manchester M27 5TD
• Safehouses Fostering – Oldham – The Fleece, 41 Oldham Rd, Denshaw, Oldham OL3 5SS
• Rochdale Council – Childrens Social Care – 57 Drake St, Rochdale OL16 1XL
• Resolution Fostering Services – 355 Wilmslow Rd, Fallowfield, Manchester M14 6XU
• Perpetual Fostering – Manchester – The MEws, Tanzaro House 5 5, Charlton Pl, Manchester M12 6FZ
• Parallel Parents – 2nd Floor, Lansdowne House, 85 Buxton Rd, Heaviley, Stockport SK2 6LR
• National Fostering Group – Spa Rd, Bolton BL1 4AG
• Lorimer Fostering – 2a Carrington Ln., Ashton upon Mersey, Sale, Manchester M33 5ND
• Foster with Bury – Higher Ln, Whitefield, Manchester M45 7FX
• Foster Care Matters – Unit F, St.Thomas Center, Ardwick Green N, Manchester M12 6FZ
• FCL Fostering – Bury – 138 Rochdale Rd, Bury BL9 7BD
• CFS Care Ltd – 146 Bolton Rd, Atherton, Manchester M46 9LF
• Capstone Foster Care – Heywood – 1st Floor, Longford House, Hall St, Heywood OL10 1DP
• Advanced Fostercare – 1 Stuart Rd, Bredbury, Stockport SK6 2SR
• Acorn House (Fostering Services) Ltd – Hollinwood Business Centre, Albert St, Hollinwood, Failsworth, Oldham OL8 3QL

You can also browse all fostering agencies in the North West or see fostering in Liverpool.

What fostering is like in Manchester

Greater Manchester councils work together through Foster for Greater Manchester, a shared enquiry service. Carers are needed for teenagers, sibling groups, children with disabilities and parent-and-child placements.

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 Manchester: 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.