Fostering in Manchester

Manchester is a vibrant and diverse city, and children entering care come from many different backgrounds and experiences. Some children need short-term support during a difficult period in their lives, while others require longer-term care that helps them build confidence and look forward to the future. Foster carers play a vital role in helping children feel secure, develop resilience and achieve their potential.

At Action for Children Fostering, we're looking for people across Manchester who can provide caring homes for local children. Whether you live in the city centre, a residential suburb or a surrounding community, your support could help a child stay connected to their education, friendships and local networks while receiving the care they need.

You don't need previous experience of fostering or childcare. What matters most is your ability to provide patience, understanding and a commitment to helping children thrive.

If you're ready to make a meaningful difference in a young person's life, we'd love to hear from you.

We understand that fostering is a significant commitment that requires time, energy and dedication. That's why we provide financial support to ensure foster carers can focus on providing the best possible care.

Our fostering payments are made up of two elements. The allowance helps cover everyday costs such as food, clothing, travel, school expenses and leisure activities. The fee recognises the important role foster carers play and the skills, commitment and responsibility involved in caring for children and young people.

The payments available depend on the type of fostering provided and the individual needs of the child placed with you. Additional financial support may also be available for holidays, educational opportunities, special occasions and activities that contribute to a child's growth and wellbeing.

Our aim is to provide foster carers with the resources needed to create stable, positive homes where children can feel secure and supported.

By helping with the practical costs of fostering, we enable carers to focus on building relationships that make a lasting difference.

We believe foster carers should feel supported throughout every stage of their fostering journey. That's why we provide a comprehensive support network designed to help carers feel confident and well prepared.

Every foster carer works with a dedicated supervising social worker who provides regular guidance, professional advice and ongoing supervision. We take time to understand your circumstances and tailor support to meet your individual needs.

Alongside professional guidance, we offer opportunities for foster carers to connect with others who understand the realities of fostering.

Our support includes:

• Dedicated support from an experienced supervising social worker
• Regular supervision meetings and support visits
• Foster carer support groups
• Opportunities to connect with local fostering communities
• Access to specialist advice and services
• Out-of-hours support when urgent assistance is needed

Many foster carers tell us that being able to talk to people who have shared similar experiences is invaluable. Learning from others and sharing challenges can help build confidence and resilience.

We're committed to ensuring foster carers across Manchester feel supported, appreciated and equipped to provide excellent care.

Children and young people in care often have unique needs and experiences. To help carers provide the highest standard of support, we offer ongoing training and professional development throughout the fostering journey.

All training is free of charge and begins before approval. It continues throughout your fostering career, helping you develop the confidence, understanding and practical skills needed to support children effectively.

Skills to Foster

This introductory programme provides a thorough understanding of the fostering role. It covers topics such as child development, attachment, communication, safeguarding and working alongside professionals who support children in care.

Therapeutic Parenting

Many children entering care have experienced trauma, neglect or instability. This training helps carers understand how these experiences can affect behaviour and development while introducing approaches that support emotional wellbeing and healthy relationships.

Safeguarding

Safeguarding training explores essential areas including child protection, online safety, physical and emotional wellbeing, and recognising risks that may affect children and young people.

Continued Learning and Development

As your experience grows, you'll have access to a range of additional learning opportunities that help you develop specialist skills and respond confidently to different fostering situations.

Our training programme is designed to ensure foster carers feel knowledgeable, supported and prepared for the rewarding role they undertake.

Many people assume they wouldn't be suitable for fostering, but foster carers come from a wide range of backgrounds, lifestyles and family situations.

In general, you may be able to foster if you:

• Are over 21 years old
• Have a spare bedroom
• Have the right to live and work in the UK
• Can provide a safe and stable home environment

We welcome applications from:

• Single people
• Couples and partners
• Parents and people without children
• Homeowners and tenants
• Working professionals
• Retired individuals
• People from all cultural, religious and ethnic backgrounds
• Members of the LGBTQ+ community
• People living with disabilities

There is no one-size-fits-all foster carer. Children need a variety of caring adults who can offer different experiences, perspectives and strengths.

The qualities we look for are kindness, patience, resilience and a genuine commitment to helping children feel safe, supported and hopeful about their future.

By becoming a foster carer in Manchester, you could help a child develop confidence, build positive relationships and create opportunities for a brighter future.

Contact our Manchester fostering team today to find out more about becoming a foster carer and the support available throughout your fostering journey.