Fostering in Manchester
There are many reasons why children and young people in Manchester cannot be looked after by their own parents. It could be because of conflicts within the family, or an illness – but sadly it could also be because they have experienced some form of neglect. TACT are recruiting foster carers in Manchester to provide care, guidance and security to these young people.
You don’t need experience or qualifications. In fact, the initial criteria for becoming a foster carer is to have at least one spare bedroom in your home, a nurturing and caring disposition – and lots of energy to provide a child with a secure and supportive home. If this sounds like something YOU could do, you could join our Fostering Manchester team!
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Can I foster in Manchester?
You don’t need any previous experience to start fostering in Manchester. To proceed with an application, you would need to meet this initial criteria:
- Be over 21 years old (no upper age limit applies)
- Have at least one spare bedroom available
- Be a full-time resident in the UK or have indefinite leave to remain
Additionally, you’ll need to have enough time and flexibility to dedicate yourself fully to fostering. Strong written and verbal English skills are important, as the role involves working with other professionals and keeping accurate written records of the young people’s progress in your care.
Full Training
No prior experience or formal qualifications are required to become a foster carer.
We provide thorough training to help you feel confident and fully equipped to care for children in your home. This training is delivered both online and face-to-face.
As part of the assessment process, you’ll complete an introductory course called Skills to Foster. This short online course gives you a solid introduction to fostering and a chance to ask any questions you might have.
Once you’re approved as a foster carer with TACT, you’ll gain access to a wide-ranging training programme designed to develop your skills and prepare you to support children and young people in the Manchester area.
We also offer specialist training to help you care for children with specific needs or who may be facing unique challenges.
24/7 Support
At TACT, we understand that consistent, around-the-clock support is key to creating positive, lasting change in children’s lives. That’s why we reinvest surplus income into enhancing the services we provide to our fostering families – so you’re never without the support you need.
As a TACT-approved foster carer, you’ll be matched with a dedicated Supervising Social Worker. With manageable caseloads, our social workers are able to offer tailored support and guidance to help you make a real difference.
This is what we provide:
- Full 24/7 support. Your Supervising Social Worker will be your main point of contact, and our out-of-hours service ensures that help and advice is always available—day or night.
- Foster carer portal. A secure online hub where you can quickly access vital information, training materials, practical advice, and other fostering resources.
- Education service. Our expert team works to ensure children in your care receive the right educational support and opportunities.
- Health service. We help monitor and promote the physical and emotional well-being of the children you look after, ensuring their needs are met holistically.
- Support groups. Join local groups in Manchester and surrounding areas to connect with other carers, share experiences, and build supportive peer networks.
- Support for young people. Our Children’s Wellbeing Practitioners offer direct support to the children in your care, alongside fun activities and events throughout the year.
- Supporting your own children. We recognise the vital part your own children play in fostering. Our Children Who Foster events bring them together with others to enable the sharing of experiences.
- Peer support. Where available, experienced TACT foster carers offer mentoring and practical advice to new carers through our peer support programme.
Pay & Allowances
Foster carers are valued professionals, and the fees and allowances we offer reflect the vital role they play in supporting children and young people.
Through our partnership with Manchester City Council, we receive funding that enables us to provide high-quality care and dedicated support for children in the local area. This funding also allows us to offer generous financial support to our foster carers.
The fostering allowance you receive will vary based on several factors, including the type of care you are providing, the number and ages of the children in your care and the level of support or complexity of the children’s needs.
In addition to weekly payments, you’ll also receive:
- Extra payments for birthdays, holidays, and religious celebrations
- Long service awards to recognise your ongoing commitment
- A Refer a Friend bonus if someone you recommend becomes an approved TACT foster carer
Below are examples of the weekly payments you could receive when a young person is placed in your care:
Meet The Area Manager
“I have a real passion for working with non-profit making organisations in the knowledge that the resources generated are invested straight back into the support for our children, young people, and our carers.”
Jon Broadhurst – TACT Area Manager North West
Jon has over 28 years’ experience in social work, with the past 17 years in the charitable sector. He is the registered manager for TACT North West, and heads up a full team that includes social workers, placement officers, admin and children’s support workers.
Rated ‘Outstanding’ By Ofsted
Following an inspection in December 2023, Ofsted have announced that TACT North West has been rated ‘Outstanding’ for its work with foster carers and looked after children.
“Children’s lives are enriched by the love and care they receive from their foster carers. Children make exceptional progress as a result of the quality of care they experience. Children are welcomed into their fostering households and embraced as part of their foster family.”– Ofsted 2023
What Our Foster Carers Say
“Support through TACT has been fantastic. Our social worker has gone above and beyond to help us, both practically and also emotionally. She has got to know the children we look after which has helped us hugely as we’ve reflected together about how best to meet their needs.
“We feel like we are part of a team with our social worker, and we feel like we are part of a community with the TACT foster carers and children who we see as part of socials and training.”
Alice & James – TACT Foster Carers since 2022
Fostering Information Events
- September 5, 2025
- Virtual
- Time: 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Virtual Fostering Information Event – 5th September
Our virtual information event on 5th September is the perfect opportunity to learn more from the comfort of your own home.
- September 16, 2025
- Virtual
- Time: 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Virtual Fostering Information Event – 16th September
Our virtual information event on 16th September is the perfect opportunity to learn more from the comfort of your own home.
- September 23, 2025
- North West
- Time: 9:30 am – 4:00 pm
Manchester Fostering Information Event
TACT North West are hosting a Fostering Information Session at RCNI Manchester Nursing Careers & Jobs Fair on Tuesday 23rd September 2025 between 9.30am – 4pm.
‘Step forward’ fostering partnership with Bury council
TACT have partnered with Bury Council to help young people transition from residential care into stable, nurturing family environments.
This initiative will greatly benefit young people who have experienced trauma, instability, and disruption. By providing the stability, warmth, and personal attention that a dedicated foster family can provide, you could help them build trust, develop key life skills, and experience the sense of belonging that every child deserves.
If you live in the Bury area, and have experience in fostering, residential care, social work, or another child-focused profession and want to use your expertise to support children with complex needs, Step Forward Fostering offers a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact.
Start Your Fostering Journey
