Fostering in Yorkshire
Across Yorkshire's city and county councils, thousands of children need local foster placements. The region offers highly competitive pay and some of the UK's most well-supported fostering services.
Rural Yorkshire authorities (North Yorkshire, East Riding) particularly need foster carers who can provide local placements to avoid children being moved far from their schools and communities.
What Fostering Looks Like in Yorkshire
Yorkshire encompasses a wide range of fostering authorities — from the large cities (Leeds, Sheffield, Bradford) to the East and North Riding. The region as a whole has significant fostering need, with particularly acute pressure on rural authorities like North Yorkshire where geography makes placement matching difficult. Yorkshire councils have increasingly collaborated on fostering recruitment and many run joint information events.
Types of Fostering Available in Yorkshire
Local Authority Fostering Contacts
Contact your local authority directly, or read our guide on LA vs IFA fostering before deciding.
| Local Authority | Phone | Website |
|---|---|---|
| North Yorkshire Council | 01609 533 140 | northyorks.gov.uk/fostering |
| East Riding of Yorkshire | 01482 395500 | eastriding.gov.uk/fostering |
| Hull City Council | 01482 300300 | hull.gov.uk/fostering |
| Bradford Council | 01274 432678 | bradford.gov.uk/fostering |
| Wakefield Council | 0345 850 6506 | wakefield.gov.uk/fostering |
How Much Do Foster Carers Earn in Yorkshire?
Most LAs pay a weekly allowance only. A small number pay an additional professional fee for experienced carers.
IFAs pay a weekly allowance plus a professional fee. Most IFA carers pay zero income tax thanks to HMRC’s Qualifying Care Relief.
Want to understand these figures in more detail? Read our complete foster carer pay guide or our tax guide for foster carers.
Frequently Asked Questions — Fostering in Yorkshire
What is fostering like in rural Yorkshire?
Rural placements are especially valuable — children stay near their schools and communities. You need a car and will likely have children attending local schools.
Ready to Start Fostering in Yorkshire?
The next step is to speak with an agency or your local authority. Most fostering enquiries take just 10 minutes and carry no obligation.