How many fostering agencies are there in Sandwell?

There are currently 42 fostering agencies listed on Foster Care Compare serving Sandwell (8 local, 20 regional, 14 national providers). This includes Sandwell Children's Trust Fostering. This list is kept up to date as agencies change their coverage areas, so the exact number may vary over time.

How do I become a foster carer in Sandwell?

The first step is to contact a number of the fostering organisations listed on this page. We suggest starting with three. You will then speak with the fostering service and they will ask you what sort of fostering you're interested in, your motivations for fostering, as well as questions about your personal circumstances. They may ask about your home, such as how much space you have and other people who live with you. They may also ask about your lifestyle, employment, health and background. This is also your opportunity to ask them any questions, and work out whether they feel like an organisation you'd like to foster with. Following this, the fostering provider may invite you to an initial information session and, if you decide to proceed, you will begin a formal assessment process. This involves background checks, home visits and interviews to make sure fostering is the right fit for you and your household. Once approved, you will be matched with children whose needs suit your experience and home situation.

How much do foster carers get paid in Sandwell?

Fostering allowances vary depending on the agency, the type of fostering and the age of the child. As a general guide, most foster carers receive a weekly allowance starting from around £230 per child, though specialist or therapeutic placements can be significantly higher. We know that people do not foster for the money. However, we recognise that fostering has financial implications. For example, some people give up their jobs to foster, or reduce their hours to work part time. We ask the agencies in this directory to include information about allowances so you can compare before making your decision. It is also worth knowing that under HMRC's Qualifying Care Relief scheme, most foster carers pay no income tax or National Insurance on their fostering income. The tax-free allowance combines a fixed annual sum with a weekly relief per child, meaning the majority of foster carers have no tax liability at all.

How long does it take to become an approved foster carer in Sandwell?

The fostering approval process typically takes between four and six months from your initial enquiry to approval. This includes an assessment carried out by a qualified social worker, a series of home visits, training sessions and a review by an independent fostering panel. Some agencies offer a fast-track process for experienced carers. The timeline can vary depending on how quickly checks are completed and how responsive all parties are throughout the process.

Do I need to own my own home to foster in Sandwell?

No, you don't need to own your home to become a foster carer. Whether you own or rent, what matters is that you have a suitable spare bedroom for a child and that your home is stable and safe. If you rent, you may need to check that your tenancy agreement allows for fostering, and some landlords may need to give permission. Your fostering agency will advise you on this during the assessment process.

Can I foster as a single person in Sandwell?

Yes, single people can and do become successful foster carers. Fostering agencies across West Midlands welcome applications from single people, couples, married and unmarried partners, and people of all backgrounds. What matters most is that you have the time, space, commitment and support network to care for a child. Some agencies even find that single foster carers can be particularly well-suited to certain children who thrive with one consistent adult in their life.

I am already a foster carer. Can I transfer to a different fostering agency in Sandwell?

Yes, foster carers can transfer to a different fostering agency if they feel it is the right move for them. There is no legal obligation to stay with your current agency, and many experienced foster carers do switch providers over the course of their fostering career, often to access better support, higher allowances or more specialist training. Before making the move, it's worth having an honest conversation with your current agency to see whether any concerns can be resolved. If you do decide to transfer, your new agency will carry out their own assessment, though this is usually a shorter process than the original approval since much of your history and experience will be taken into account. Any children currently in your care will need to be considered carefully during the transition, and your supervising social worker should be involved in the process.

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Fostering Agencies in Sandwell

Compare Fostering Agencies Serving Sandwell

Browse all agencies serving Sandwell, or search by your postcode to find agencies closest to your home. Shortlist up to 3 and request a call.

Some agencies listed may be based outside Sandwell but have confirmed they serve the area. It's worth asking them directly about local support when you make contact.

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Organisation Type

Coverage

Ofsted

Fostering type

Showing 42 of 42

Agency	Location	Ofsted	Provider type	Fostering types	Allowance	Reviews
Abacus Fostering Regional	Birmingham	Good	Independent Fostering Agency	Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child	—	5.0· 2
Action for Children Fostering National	Birmingham	Good	Charity	Short-term, long-term, respite, emergency, parent and child	From £400/week per child	No reviews
Active Care Solutions Regional	Oldbury	Outstanding	Independent Fostering Agency	Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child, sibling groups	—	4.0· 3
Atrium Foster Care Locally run	Lichfield	Good	Independent Fostering Agency	Short-term, long-term, respite, emergency, parent and child, therapeutic	From £420/week per child	5.0· 2
Barnardo's Midlands Fostering Families National	Halesowen	Good	Charity	Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, therapeutic, sibling groups	—	4.1· 13
Capstone Foster Care National	Bromsgrove	Outstanding	Independent Fostering Agency	Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child, therapeutic	—	4.5· 6
Clifford House Fostering Regional	Bromsgrove	Outstanding	Independent Fostering Agency	Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child, sibling groups	—	4.4· 9
DMR Fostering Services Regional	Sutton Coldfield	Not yet inspected	Independent Fostering Agency	Short-term, long-term, parent and child	—	3.5· 17
Elite Fostering Regional	Oldbury	Good	Independent Fostering Agency	Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child	—	5.0· 8
F5 Foster Care Limited Locally run	Birmingham	Good	Independent Fostering Agency		—	No reviews
Family Care Fostering Regional	West Midlands	Good	Independent Fostering Agency	Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child	—	No reviews
Five Rivers Child Care National	Bromsgrove	Not yet inspected	Independent Fostering Agency	Short_term, long_term, respite, parent_and_child	—	No reviews
Foster Care Associates (FCA) National	Bromsgrove	Outstanding	Independent Fostering Agency	Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child, therapeutic, sibling groups	—	4.4· 9
Fostering People National		Outstanding	Independent Fostering Agency	Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child, therapeutic	From £454 per week	No reviews
Freedom Fostering Regional	Wolverhampton	Good	Independent Fostering Agency	Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child, sibling groups	Competitive — call 01902 429290	3.7· 3
Fusion Fostering National	Walsall	Good	Independent Fostering Agency	Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child	—	No reviews
Happy Hearts Foster Care Locally run	Birmingham	Good	Independent Fostering Agency	Short-term, long-term, respite, emergency, parent and child, sibling groups	Enquire for rates	5.0· 1
icanfoster Locally run	Telford	Good	Independent Fostering Agency	Short-term, long-term, respite, emergency, parent and child	Enquire for rates	5.0· 2
Ideal Fostering Regional	Walsall	Good	Independent Fostering Agency	Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child	—	5.0· 24
Ikon Fostering Regional	Walsall	Good	Independent Fostering Agency	Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child	—	4.3· 18
Impact Fostering LTD Locally run	Birmingham	Good	Independent Fostering Agency		—	No reviews
ISP Fostering National	Bromsgrove	Outstanding	Independent Fostering Agency	Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child, therapeutic, sibling groups	—	5.0· 6
Match Foster Care Regional	Droitwich	Outstanding	Independent Fostering Agency	Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child, sibling groups	—	4.2· 14
National Fostering Agency National	Birmingham	Good	Independent Fostering Agency	Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child, therapeutic, sibling groups	—	2.8· 4
National Fostering Group National	Birmingham	Good	Independent Fostering Agency	Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child, therapeutic, sibling groups	From £420/week per child	2.8· 4
New Life Fostering Agency Regional	Birmingham	Inadequate	Independent Fostering Agency	Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child	—	3.8· 25
New Routes Fostering (Father Hudson's Caritas) Regional	Coleshill	Good	Charity	Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child	—	3.8· 25
Nexus Fostering National	Birmingham	Outstanding	Independent Fostering Agency	Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child, therapeutic, sibling groups	—	4.8· 6
Paramount Foster Care Regional	West Bromwich	Requires Improvement	Independent Fostering Agency	Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child	—	5.0· 1
Progress Children's Services Regional	Wolverhampton	Outstanding	Independent Fostering Agency	Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child, therapeutic	Competitive — call 01902 561066	4.7· 59
Rees Parent and Child Fostering Ltd Locally run	Droitwich	Not yet inspected	Independent Fostering Agency	Parent and child	Enquire for rates	3.9· 7
Sandwell Children's Trust Fostering Locally run	Oldbury	Good	Local Authority		—	No reviews
St. Christopher's Fellowship Regional	West Bromwich	Not yet inspected	Charity	Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, therapeutic, sibling groups	Competitive — call 01215253738	5.0· 2
Sunbeam Fostering Agency Regional	Coventry	Good	Independent Fostering Agency	Short-term, long-term, respite, emergency, parent and child	Enquire for rates	5.0· 11
Sunflower Fostering Regional	Weston under Lizard	Good	Independent Fostering Agency	Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite	—	3.0· 8
SWIIS Foster Care National	Birmingham	Outstanding	Independent Fostering Agency	Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child, sibling groups, therapeutic	—	4.7· 3
TACT National	Walsall	Good	Charity	Short-term, long-term, therapeutic, sibling groups, emergency	From £390 per week	No reviews
The Children's Family Trust Regional	Bromsgrove	Outstanding	Charity	Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child	—	5.0· 1
Triangle Project Locally run	Birmingham	Good	Charity		—	No reviews
UK Fostering National	Birmingham	Outstanding	Independent Fostering Agency	Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child, sibling groups	—	5.0· 3
Voice Fostering Regional	Shirley (Solihull)	Outstanding	Independent Fostering Agency	Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child, sibling groups	—	No reviews
Wholistic Fostering Regional	Tipton	Good	Independent Fostering Agency	Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite	—	5.0· 8

Abacus FosteringOfsted: Good

RegionalBirmingham · Independent Fostering Agency

Types: Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child

Allowance: —

5.0· 2

Action for Children FosteringOfsted: Good

NationalBirmingham · Charity

Types: Short-term, long-term, respite, emergency, parent and child

Allowance:

From £400/week per child

No reviews

Active Care SolutionsOfsted: Outstanding

RegionalOldbury · Independent Fostering Agency

Types: Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child, sibling groups

Allowance: —

4.0· 3

Atrium Foster CareOfsted: Good

Locally runLichfield · Independent Fostering Agency

Types: Short-term, long-term, respite, emergency, parent and child, therapeutic

Allowance:

From £420/week per child

5.0· 2

Barnardo's Midlands Fostering FamiliesOfsted: Good

NationalHalesowen · Charity

Types: Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, therapeutic, sibling groups

Allowance: —

4.1· 13

Capstone Foster CareOfsted: Outstanding

NationalBromsgrove · Independent Fostering Agency

Types: Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child, therapeutic

Allowance: —

4.5· 6

Clifford House FosteringOfsted: Outstanding

RegionalBromsgrove · Independent Fostering Agency

Types: Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child, sibling groups

Allowance: —

4.4· 9

DMR Fostering ServicesOfsted: Not yet inspected

RegionalSutton Coldfield · Independent Fostering Agency

Types: Short-term, long-term, parent and child

Allowance: —

3.5· 17

Elite FosteringOfsted: Good

RegionalOldbury · Independent Fostering Agency

Types: Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child

Allowance: —

5.0· 8

F5 Foster Care LimitedOfsted: Good

Locally runBirmingham · Independent Fostering Agency

Types:

Allowance: —

No reviews

Family Care FosteringOfsted: Good

RegionalWest Midlands · Independent Fostering Agency

Types: Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child

Allowance: —

No reviews

Five Rivers Child CareOfsted: Not yet inspected

NationalBromsgrove · Independent Fostering Agency

Types: Short_term, long_term, respite, parent_and_child

Allowance: —

No reviews

Foster Care Associates (FCA)Ofsted: Outstanding

NationalBromsgrove · Independent Fostering Agency

Types: Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child, therapeutic, sibling groups

Allowance: —

4.4· 9

Fostering PeopleOfsted: Outstanding

National · Independent Fostering Agency

Types: Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child, therapeutic

Allowance:

From £454 per week

No reviews

Freedom FosteringOfsted: Good

RegionalWolverhampton · Independent Fostering Agency

Types: Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child, sibling groups

Allowance:

Competitive — call 01902 429290

3.7· 3

Fusion FosteringOfsted: Good

NationalWalsall · Independent Fostering Agency

Types: Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child

Allowance: —

No reviews

Happy Hearts Foster CareOfsted: Good

Locally runBirmingham · Independent Fostering Agency

Types: Short-term, long-term, respite, emergency, parent and child, sibling groups

Allowance:

Enquire for rates

5.0· 1

icanfosterOfsted: Good

Locally runTelford · Independent Fostering Agency

Types: Short-term, long-term, respite, emergency, parent and child

Allowance:

Enquire for rates

5.0· 2

Ideal FosteringOfsted: Good

RegionalWalsall · Independent Fostering Agency

Types: Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child

Allowance: —

5.0· 24

Ikon FosteringOfsted: Good

RegionalWalsall · Independent Fostering Agency

Types: Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child

Allowance: —

4.3· 18

Impact Fostering LTDOfsted: Good

Locally runBirmingham · Independent Fostering Agency

Types:

Allowance: —

No reviews

ISP FosteringOfsted: Outstanding

NationalBromsgrove · Independent Fostering Agency

Types: Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child, therapeutic, sibling groups

Allowance: —

5.0· 6

Match Foster CareOfsted: Outstanding

RegionalDroitwich · Independent Fostering Agency

Types: Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child, sibling groups

Allowance: —

4.2· 14

National Fostering AgencyOfsted: Good

NationalBirmingham · Independent Fostering Agency

Types: Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child, therapeutic, sibling groups

Allowance: —

2.8· 4

National Fostering GroupOfsted: Good

NationalBirmingham · Independent Fostering Agency

Types: Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child, therapeutic, sibling groups

Allowance:

From £420/week per child

2.8· 4

New Life Fostering AgencyOfsted: Inadequate

RegionalBirmingham · Independent Fostering Agency

Types: Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child

Allowance: —

3.8· 25

New Routes Fostering (Father Hudson's Caritas)Ofsted: Good

RegionalColeshill · Charity

Types: Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child

Allowance: —

3.8· 25

Nexus FosteringOfsted: Outstanding

NationalBirmingham · Independent Fostering Agency

Types: Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child, therapeutic, sibling groups

Allowance: —

4.8· 6

Paramount Foster CareOfsted: Requires Improvement

RegionalWest Bromwich · Independent Fostering Agency

Types: Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child

Allowance: —

5.0· 1

Progress Children's ServicesOfsted: Outstanding

RegionalWolverhampton · Independent Fostering Agency

Types: Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child, therapeutic

Allowance:

Competitive — call 01902 561066

4.7· 59

Rees Parent and Child Fostering LtdOfsted: Not yet inspected

Locally runDroitwich · Independent Fostering Agency

Types: Parent and child

Allowance:

Enquire for rates

3.9· 7

Sandwell Children's Trust FosteringOfsted: Good

Locally runOldbury · Local Authority

Types:

Allowance: —

No reviews

St. Christopher's FellowshipOfsted: Not yet inspected

RegionalWest Bromwich · Charity

Types: Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, therapeutic, sibling groups

Allowance:

Competitive — call 01215253738

5.0· 2

Sunbeam Fostering AgencyOfsted: Good

RegionalCoventry · Independent Fostering Agency

Types: Short-term, long-term, respite, emergency, parent and child

Allowance:

Enquire for rates

5.0· 11

Sunflower FosteringOfsted: Good

RegionalWeston under Lizard · Independent Fostering Agency

Types: Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite

Allowance: —

3.0· 8

SWIIS Foster CareOfsted: Outstanding

NationalBirmingham · Independent Fostering Agency

Types: Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child, sibling groups, therapeutic

Allowance: —

4.7· 3

TACTOfsted: Good

NationalWalsall · Charity

Types: Short-term, long-term, therapeutic, sibling groups, emergency

Allowance:

From £390 per week

No reviews

The Children's Family TrustOfsted: Outstanding

RegionalBromsgrove · Charity

Types: Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child

Allowance: —

5.0· 1

Triangle ProjectOfsted: Good

Locally runBirmingham · Charity

Types:

Allowance: —

No reviews

UK FosteringOfsted: Outstanding

NationalBirmingham · Independent Fostering Agency

Types: Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child, sibling groups

Allowance: —

5.0· 3

Voice FosteringOfsted: Outstanding

RegionalShirley (Solihull) · Independent Fostering Agency

Types: Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child, sibling groups

Allowance: —

No reviews

Wholistic FosteringOfsted: Good

RegionalTipton · Independent Fostering Agency

Types: Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite

Allowance: —

5.0· 8

We are an independent comparison tool, not a fostering agency.

Fostering agencies in Sandwell: what you need to know

Sandwell is one of the seven boroughs of the West Midlands, covering towns including West Bromwich, Oldbury, Smethwick, Tipton and Rowley Regis, and served by Sandwell Children's Trust alongside independent and national fostering agencies covering the wider region. The borough has an ongoing need for local foster carers, particularly for teenagers, sibling groups and children with additional needs.

There are two main types of fostering provider in Sandwell and both are regulated and inspected by Ofsted. Source: Ofsted

Local authority fostering services

Run by the local council, these focus on finding carers for children in the council's care.

Independent fostering agencies (IFAs)

Privately run organisations, sometimes charities or social enterprises, that are commissioned by councils when they need additional placements. This type of fostering agency sometimes offers higher allowances and more specialist support.

Choosing the right fostering agency in Sandwell comes down to what matters most to you: the level of training offered, the support available around the clock, or the types of children you'd like to care for. All fostering services listed in this directory are Ofsted-registered and have been independently inspected. You can compare ratings, fostering types and allowances side by side to help you make a more informed decision.

You can also browse all agencies in West Midlands if you'd like to widen your search.

Ready when you are

Every agency listed here offers a free, no-obligation first call — whether you're just starting to explore fostering or ready to take the next step.

Begin shortlisting

Fostering guides

Practical advice to help you find the right fostering provider and understand the journey ahead.

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