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.
Fostering information events
If you're thinking about fostering, come along to one of our information events. 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 speak with current foster carers and chat to our team.
We're adding new events each month, check out our Facebook page for any changes to the current schedule.
Upcoming fostering information events
| Date | Location | Time |
| Monday 1 July | Darton Academy | 3.30pm to 4.30pm |
| Tuesday 2 July | The Mill Academy | 8.50am to 10.30am |
| Saturday 6 July | St Helen's Gala | 11am to 2pm |
| Saturday 13 July | Barnsley Big Weekend | 10am to 2pm |
| Tuesday 16 July | Online virtual information session on Facebook | 6pm to 7pm |
| Thursday 18 July | Penistone Library | 10am to 11.30am |
| Friday 19 July | Barnsley Market | 11am to 1pm |
| Saturday 20 July | Cudworth Tea in the Park | 11am to 3pm |
| Monday 22 July | Ladywood Primary School Summer Fair | 12pm to 3pm |
| Wednesday 24 July | Wombwell Picnic in the Park | 11am to 3pm |
| Wednesday 24 July | Wigfield Farm | 11am to 1pm |
| Tuesday 30 July | Darfield Gala | 11am to 3pm |
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
What foster parents say
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Fostering is a job from the heart. It can be extremely hard work, but the rewards far outweigh this.
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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.
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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.
Statement of purpose
Read the aims and objectives of the fostering service, and the services and facilities provided, in our statement of purpose.
Mockingbird programme
Learn more about The Fostering Network’s Mockingbird programme in Barnsley Fostering Service.
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.