Fostering

Could you be the person we're looking for?

We’re always on the lookout for those special people who can give a safe and loving home to a child in care at a time when they need it most.

The children we care for come from all walks of life and from very different circumstances, but they're all looking for the same thing - a family to love them.

If you could welcome a child or young person into your heart, your home and your family and give them the love, care and support they need, please get in touch.

Interested in fostering? Contact us online

Fostering information sessions

If you're thinking about fostering, come along to one of our information sessions. They’re a great way to find out all you need to know about fostering before you make this important decision.

You’ll be able to meet up with other people thinking about fostering and chat to our team.

Session details

Date Time Venue
Thursday 27 April 5.30pm to 7pm Barnsley Town Hall
Thursday 18 May 12pm to 2pm Library @ the Lightbox
Thursday 25 May 5.30pm to 7pm Barnsley Town Hall
Thursday 15 June 12pm to 2pm Library @ the Lightbox
Thursday 29 June 5.30pm to 7pm Barnsley Town Hall
Thursday 20 July  10am to 12pm Library @ the Lightbox
Thursday 27 July  5.30pm to 7pm Barnsley Town Hall
Thursday 17 August 12pm to 2pm Library @ the Lightbox

For sessions at Barnsley Town Hall, please use the side entrance. 

Could you foster?

There's no such thing as a typical foster carer.

If you're over 21 and have the space in your home and life to welcome a child, you could be the person we're looking for.

Learn about fostering

Different types of fostering

There are different kinds of fostering, from short-term to more permanent arrangements.  You can choose the type that's best for you and your family.

Types of fostering

Steps to becoming a foster carer

We'll take you through an assessment to make sure you can meet the needs of the children in our care, and that fostering fits in with your family and lifestyle.

Become a foster carer

Training for foster carers

Training is part of our skills based payment scheme, so as well as offering you training once you commit to fostering, we'll encourage you to maintain your training throughout your fostering career.

Foster carer training

Support for foster carers

As a foster carer, you'll be part of our fostering team. We'll always be on hand to offer advice and there's local and national fostering networks for you to join.

Foster carer support

How much you'll get paid

When you become a foster carer you'll get an allowance for each child in your care. As you develop your skills through training you can receive additional payments.

Foster carer payment

What foster parents say

  • Fostering is a job from the heart.  It can be extremely hard work, but the rewards far outweigh this. 
  • We wanted to give children the chance of being part of a loving family. To make a child smile when they feel safe is the biggest reward anyone could wish for.
  • I've got lots of happy memories of the children I've looked after. Every child has different endearments, but I remember mostly the laughter and fun that these young people brought into my life, even after they'd been through so much.

Foster Carers Handbook

For more information about fostering in Barnsley including timelines, finance and training.

Download our foster carers handbook.

Mockingbird programme

Learn more about The Fostering Network’s Mockingbird programme in Barnsley Fostering Service. 

Learn about the Mockingbird programme

Thought about adopting?

All kinds of people adopt - could you be one of them?

You may already be a foster carer and want to offer a child a permanent home.

Find out more about adoption in Barnsley

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