How do I become a foster carer in Solihull?

The first step is to contact a number of the fostering organisations listed on this page — we suggest starting with three. Each service will want to learn about your motivations for fostering, your personal circumstances, and the type of children you'd like to care for. This is also your opportunity to ask them questions and get a sense of whether they feel like the right fit for you. If you decide to proceed, you'll begin a formal assessment process involving background checks, home visits and interviews to make sure fostering is the right fit for you and your household. Once approved by an independent fostering panel, you'll be matched with children whose needs suit your experience and home situation.

How much do foster carers get paid in Solihull?

Fostering allowances in Solihull 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 reduce their working hours or give up employment entirely to foster. We ask the agencies in this directory to include information about their allowances so you can compare them side by side before making your decision.

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

The approval process typically takes between four and six months from your initial enquiry. This includes a detailed assessment by a qualified social worker, home visits, training sessions and a review by an independent fostering panel. Some agencies offer a fast-track route for people with relevant professional or caring experience. The exact timeline will depend on how quickly checks are completed and how responsive all parties are throughout the process.

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

No — you don't need to own your home to become a foster carer in Solihull. Whether you rent or own, what matters most is that you have a stable, safe home with a spare bedroom available for a child. If you rent, it's worth checking whether your tenancy agreement permits fostering and, if necessary, getting confirmation from your landlord. Your fostering agency will advise you on this during the assessment process.

Can I foster in Solihull if I live outside the borough?

Yes — many fostering agencies operating in Solihull recruit carers from across the wider West Midlands region, not just within the borough boundary. What matters most is that you can reliably support a child placed with you and maintain links with the relevant council, school and support network. If you live in a neighbouring area such as Birmingham, Coventry or Warwickshire, it's worth contacting agencies directly to find out whether your location would affect the types of placements available to you.

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Fostering Agencies in Solihull

Compare Fostering Agencies Serving Solihull and the West Midlands

Browse all agencies serving Solihull, 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 Solihull but have confirmed they serve the area. It's worth asking them directly about local support when you make contact.

Young toddler in a mustard yellow cable-knit jumper sitting on a woodland path, concentrating intently as she examines a pine cone, surrounded by lush green ferns and autumn ivy

Organisation Type

Coverage

Ofsted

Fostering type

Showing 44 of 44

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
By the Bridge National	Tamworth	Not yet inspected	Independent Fostering Agency	Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child, therapeutic	From £470/week per child	No reviews
Capstone Foster Care National	Satellite office	Outstanding	Independent Fostering Agency	Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child, therapeutic	—	No reviews
Capstone Foster Care National	Bromsgrove	Outstanding	Independent Fostering Agency	Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child, therapeutic	—	4.5· 6
Children Always First Locally run	Bromsgrove	Good	Independent Fostering Agency	Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child	—	4.2· 5
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
Five Rivers Child Care Regional	Bromsgrove	Not yet inspected	Independent Fostering Agency	Short_term, long_term, respite, parent_and_child	—	No reviews
Focus Foster Care Regional	Kenilworth	Good	Independent Fostering Agency	Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child	—	5.0· 1
Foster Care Associates (FCA) National	Satellite office	Outstanding	Independent Fostering Agency	Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child, therapeutic, sibling groups	—	4.4· 9
Foster for Solihull Locally run	Solihull	Good	Local Authority	Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child	Average £417 per week (experienced carers) — average £445 per week overall	No reviews
Fostering People National	Satellite office	Outstanding	Independent Fostering Agency	Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child, therapeutic	From £454 per week	No reviews
Fosterplus National	Coventry	Good	Independent Fostering Agency	Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child, therapeutic, sibling groups	—	5.0· 2
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
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
ISP Fostering National	Bromsgrove	Outstanding	Independent Fostering Agency	Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child, therapeutic, sibling groups	—	5.0· 6
Love2Foster Ltd Locally run	Bedworth	Not yet inspected	Independent Fostering Agency	Short-term, long-term, respite, emergency, parent and child	Enquire for rates	5.0· 1
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	Solihull	Good	Independent Fostering Agency	Short-term, long-term, respite, emergency, parent and child, sibling groups, therapeutic	From £450/week per child	2.8· 4
National Fostering Agency National	Satellite office	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· 60
Quality Fostering Regional	Leamington Spa	Inadequate	Independent Fostering Agency	Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child	—	5.0· 2
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
SWAP Foster Care (Social Work Assessment Partners) Regional	Bedworth	Good	Independent Fostering Agency	Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child	—	No reviews
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	Satellite office	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
UK Fostering National	Midlands	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

By the BridgeOfsted: Not yet inspected

NationalTamworth · Independent Fostering Agency

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

Allowance:

From £470/week per child

No reviews

Capstone Foster CareOfsted: Outstanding

NationalSatellite office · Independent Fostering Agency

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

Allowance: —

No reviews

Capstone Foster CareOfsted: Outstanding

NationalBromsgrove · Independent Fostering Agency

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

Allowance: —

4.5· 6

Children Always FirstOfsted: Good

Locally runBromsgrove · Independent Fostering Agency

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

Allowance: —

4.2· 5

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

Five Rivers Child CareOfsted: Not yet inspected

RegionalBromsgrove · Independent Fostering Agency

Types: Short_term, long_term, respite, parent_and_child

Allowance: —

No reviews

Focus Foster CareOfsted: Good

RegionalKenilworth · Independent Fostering Agency

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

Allowance: —

5.0· 1

Foster Care Associates (FCA)Ofsted: Outstanding

NationalSatellite office · Independent Fostering Agency

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

Allowance: —

4.4· 9

Foster for SolihullOfsted: Good

Locally runSolihull · Local Authority

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

Allowance:

Average £417 per week (experienced carers) — average £445 per week overall

No reviews

Fostering PeopleOfsted: Outstanding

NationalSatellite office · Independent Fostering Agency

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

Allowance:

From £454 per week

No reviews

FosterplusOfsted: Good

NationalCoventry · Independent Fostering Agency

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

Allowance: —

5.0· 2

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

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

ISP FosteringOfsted: Outstanding

NationalBromsgrove · Independent Fostering Agency

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

Allowance: —

5.0· 6

Love2Foster LtdOfsted: Not yet inspected

Locally runBedworth · Independent Fostering Agency

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

Allowance:

Enquire for rates

5.0· 1

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

NationalSolihull · Independent Fostering Agency

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

Allowance:

From £450/week per child

2.8· 4

National Fostering AgencyOfsted: Good

NationalSatellite office · 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· 60

Quality FosteringOfsted: Inadequate

RegionalLeamington Spa · Independent Fostering Agency

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

Allowance: —

5.0· 2

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

SWAP Foster Care (Social Work Assessment Partners)Ofsted: Good

RegionalBedworth · Independent Fostering Agency

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

Allowance: —

No reviews

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

NationalSatellite office · 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

UK FosteringOfsted: Outstanding

NationalMidlands · 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 Solihull: what you need to know

Solihull is a large metropolitan borough to the south-east of Birmingham, covering a mix of urban areas and open countryside. It is home to strong, well-established communities and a growing population of children in need of stable, loving foster homes. The borough has a particular need for foster carers who can support children close to their schools, friends and family connections.

There are two main types of fostering provider in Solihull, and both are regulated and inspected by Ofsted.

Local authority fostering services

Run by Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council, these services focus on finding carers for children in the council's care. The fostering team works closely with local children's services to match carers with children whose needs best suit what you can offer.

Independent fostering agencies (IFAs)

Privately run organisations — sometimes charities or social enterprises — that are commissioned by councils when they need additional placements. IFAs working in Solihull may place children from across the West Midlands and beyond, and can sometimes offer higher allowances or more specialist support for children with complex needs.

If you want to know more about fostering in the West Midlands, including how to choose the right type of fostering agency for you, read our guide: Fostering in the West Midlands: your guide to agencies, areas and getting started.

Choosing the right fostering agency in Solihull comes down to what matters most to you — the level of training on offer, 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 independently inspected. You can compare ratings, fostering types and allowances side by side to help you make a more informed decision.

Also comparing agencies across the wider West Midlands? Browse all West Midlands fostering agencies.

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.

Young boy in a mustard yellow jacket lying on the canal towpath, peering intently into the still water beside a narrowboat called The Canal Wanderer, with Victorian brick warehouses and an iron bridge stretching into the distance behind him

Guides

Fostering in the West Midlands: your guide to agencies, areas and getting started

A plain-English guide to the fostering landscape across the West Midlands — understanding the seven boroughs, your provider options, and how to take your first steps.

Read the guide →

Young girl in a teal jacket carefully choosing between two potted plants at a sunny garden centre, surrounded by colourful flowers and hanging baskets

Guides

How to choose a fostering agency: 10 vital questions to ask

Our ultimate guide on how to choose a fostering agency, featuring the 10 vital questions you must ask any provider on your shortlist.

Read the guide →

Frequently Asked Questions About Fostering in Solihull

Learn more about how Foster Care Compare works.