Fostering in Sheffield
Sheffield City Council needs around 150 more foster families. South Yorkshire as a whole has thousands of children in care who need stable, local placements.
Sheffield has a dedicated programme for recruiting foster carers from South Asian communities to provide culturally-matched placements for children from similar backgrounds.
What Fostering Looks Like in Sheffield
Sheffield has a well-regarded fostering service with a strong track record of carer support. The city sits in South Yorkshire alongside Rotherham, Barnsley and Doncaster — all of which have active fostering recruitment. Sheffield's established Asian communities have created strong culturally-matched fostering programmes. The city's size (third largest in England) means there is a broad range of specialist services available to support foster children.
Types of Fostering Available in Sheffield
Local Authority Fostering Contacts
Contact your local authority directly, or read our guide on LA vs IFA fostering before deciding.
| Local Authority | Phone | Website |
|---|---|---|
| Sheffield City Council | 0114 273 4855 | sheffield.gov.uk/fostering |
| Rotherham MBC | 01709 823842 | rotherham.gov.uk/fostering |
| Barnsley MBC | 01226 772423 | barnsley.gov.uk/fostering |
| Doncaster Council | 01302 737777 | doncaster.gov.uk/fostering |
How Much Do Foster Carers Earn in Sheffield?
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 Sheffield
Is there IFA provision in Sheffield?
Yes — several national and regional IFAs operate in South Yorkshire, offering higher pay and specialist placements. They work under contract with Sheffield and the other South Yorkshire councils.
Ready to Start Fostering in Sheffield?
The next step is to speak with an agency or your local authority. Most fostering enquiries take just 10 minutes and carry no obligation.