Search the UK's fostering agency directory
CompareFostering.co.uk lists over 530 fostering agencies across England. Filter by location, type, and specialism to find the right agency for your circumstances.
Search the directory at CompareFostering.co.uk →
530+Fostering agencies listed across England
FreeNo charge to search or compare agencies
UnbiasedIndependent listings with no agency affiliation
What to look for in a fostering agency
Not all fostering agencies are the same. The agency you choose will have a significant impact on your experience as a foster carer. Here are the things that matter most when comparing your options.
✓
Ofsted rating
All fostering agencies in England are inspected by Ofsted. Look for agencies rated Good or Outstanding. An Inadequate or Requires Improvement rating is a serious concern and warrants further investigation before you proceed.
✓
Support for carers
How much support does the agency provide between placements? Is there a dedicated supervising social worker? Is support available out of hours and at weekends? Good agencies invest in their carers and do not leave them to manage alone.
✓
Allowances and fees
Ask for a full breakdown of the allowance and professional fee, not just a headline figure. Find out whether rates differ by age and placement type, and ask how often rates are reviewed. Compare this across at least two or three agencies.
✓
Training and development
What training is provided before and after approval? Is it mandatory or optional? Good agencies invest in their carers' development and provide regular, structured training throughout the fostering relationship.
✓
Specialism and placement types
Does the agency specialise in the type of fostering you are interested in? Some agencies focus on therapeutic fostering, UASC, or sibling groups. Matching your interests to an agency's specialism leads to better placements and better support.
✓
Responsiveness and culture
How does the agency make you feel when you first make contact? Are they informative, honest, and responsive? The first interaction tells you a lot about how you will be treated as a carer. Trust your instincts.
✓
Carer retention rate
How long do carers tend to stay with the agency? High turnover can indicate poor support, low allowances, or a difficult working relationship. It is a fair question to ask directly and a good agency will answer it honestly.
✓
Geographic coverage
Does the agency operate in your area? Some IFAs cover the whole of England, others operate regionally. Local agencies often provide more responsive day-to-day support, while national agencies may offer more placement variety.
Our advice: Speak to at least two agencies before making a decision. The right agency makes a genuine difference to your experience as a foster carer. Take your time, ask the questions above, and do not feel pressured to commit quickly.
IFA or local authority which is right for you?
There are two main routes into fostering in England. Independent fostering agencies (IFAs) and local authority fostering services. They work differently and suit different carers.
Independent Fostering Agencies (IFAs)
IFAs are private or voluntary organisations approved by Ofsted to recruit, assess, and support foster carers. They typically pay higher allowances and professional fees than local authorities, and often provide more intensive carer support.
- Usually higher combined allowance and fee
- Dedicated supervising social worker per carer
- Often specialist in specific placement types
- May cover wider geographic areas
- Strong training programmes in most cases
Search IFAs on CompareFostering.co.uk →
Local Authority Fostering
Every local authority in England runs its own fostering service. They place children directly from their own caseload, which means placements are usually local and carers are closely connected to the children's social workers.
- Placements tend to be local to you
- Direct relationship with children's social workers
- Allowances typically lower than IFAs
- Support levels vary significantly by council
- Good option for kinship and family placements
Read the full IFA vs local authority guide →
Questions to ask any agency before you apply
When you make first contact with an agency, you are assessing them just as much as they are assessing you. These are the questions worth asking.
What is your current Ofsted rating?
Any agency should answer this immediately and confidently. If they are evasive or cannot tell you, that is a warning sign.
What is the full weekly payment for a child aged 10?
Ask for a specific figure broken down into allowance and fee. A vague "up to" answer is not good enough.
How many carers does each supervising social worker support?
A ratio above 15 to 1 suggests carers may not get the attention they need. The best agencies aim for 10 to 1 or below.
What support is available out of hours?
Children do not only have crises during office hours. Find out exactly what happens when you need support at 10pm on a Sunday.
How long does the assessment process take?
Typical timescales are 4 to 6 months. Anything significantly longer or shorter is worth questioning.
Can I speak to one of your current carers?
Good agencies will facilitate this readily. Hearing from an existing carer is one of the most useful things you can do before deciding.
Ready to find your agency?
Search over 530 fostering agencies across England on CompareFostering.co.uk. Free, independent, and unbiased.
Search the directory →