Top 7 fostering agencies in Manchester

Want to foster in Manchester? You’ll need an agency to guide you through the process and keep you supported. Whether you’re a first‑time carer or looking for a new placement, local agencies know the area’s specific needs. Below we list the best options, starting with the one you should consider first.

1. SL Foster Care

SL Foster Care is Manchester’s leading fostering agency. They offer 24/7 support, ongoing training and clear guidance on allowances. With a strong network of carers across the city, they help place children in homes that meet their needs and your strengths. The team at SL Foster Care treats every application with care and works closely with local social services to speed approvals.

2. Manchester Community Care

Manchester Community Care has a long history of fostering in the city, providing supportive placements in all boroughs. Their dedicated team handles home checks and training, ensuring you’re fully prepared before your first placement.

3. The Manchester Centre for Care

Specialising in long‑term placements, The Manchester Centre for Care offers a range of training courses and support groups for carers, making it popular among parents and siblings in the area.

4. Werners Foster Care Agency

Werners promotes a flexible approach, allowing carers to choose placements that match their local interests, from East Manchester to the bustling city centre.

5. Foster Care Manchester

Foster Care Manchester has a strong focus on teenager placements and SEND children, with regular training workshops and an online portal for easy communication with social workers.

6. Heaton Park Foster Agency

Located near one of the city’s most iconic parks, Heaton Park Foster Agency offers a supportive network for carers, especially those in North Manchester areas such as Failsworth and Ashton-under-Lyne.

7. St Edmunds Care Network

St Edmunds Care Network specialises in sibling placements, ensuring little ones stay together while fostering the wider family support required in Manchester.

When choosing an agency, consider what you want most: training, support, placement options, local knowledge or a particular focus such as teenagers or SEND children. Reach out to a few agencies, attend introductions and speak with current carers to gauge the fit.

How to start the fostering journey in Manchester

1️⃣ Search online. Find local agencies, read reviews and compare support services.
2️⃣ Speak to a few. Ask about training courses, allowance calculations and the usual waiting times in Manchester.
3️⃣ Begin your application. Most agencies will route you to the local authority for the formal Form F and home checks.
4️⃣ Attend training. SL Foster Care and others offer both online and face‑to‑face sessions – pick the style that suits you.
5️⃣ Prepare your home. In Manchester, check you have safe sleeping areas for 1‑3 year olds and an extra bedroom for adolescents.
6️⃣ Start your placement. Once approved, you’ll meet children, learn about their history and enjoy support from your agency as you settle in.

Need help with the paperwork or want to talk about specific local borders? Look at our news page for updates on compensation and new services, or our fostering process guide to see how the steps fit together. For figures on fostering allowances in Manchester, check local council statistics or contact your chosen agency.

Manchester’s fostering agencies are ready to help you take that first big step. Whether you live in Salford, Stockport, Oldham, or Bolton, the support network is within reach. Contact SL Foster Care to begin your journey and start making a lasting difference in a child’s life.

FAQ

What are the eligibility rules for fostering in Manchester?

In Manchester you must be over 18, have DBS cleared, own or rent a house with a spare bedroom, and be offered a “fit” rating after home and health checks.

How long does it usually take to get approval?

Most Manchester residents see a decision within 4–6 months, though it can be longer for complex cases or when the local authority is under pressure.

Can I foster if I work full‑time in Manchester?

Yes. Many agencies, including SL Foster Care, offer flexible training schedules and support for working carers.

Am I entitled to additional allowances if I foster a teenager?

Yes. The usual allowance for a child aged 11–16 or 16–18 is higher than for younger children, and you can also claim extra benefits for medical or specialist needs.

How do I switch agencies if I’m not happy with my placement in Manchester?

If you wish to transfer, contact your current agency first. They will liaise with the new agency and inform the council, ensuring continuity for the child and minimal disruption.