How to Find the Best Fostering Agency in Wales

We know choosing a fostering agency can feel daunting, there’s a lot to think about, and it’s a big step. But finding the right one can lead to some of the most rewarding, life-changing experiences you’ll ever have.

We also know that the decision to foster doesn’t happen overnight. From those first conversations with friends and family, to reaching out to an agency or your local authority, you’ve likely already been on quite a journey trying to figure out which fostering agency is best suited to you.

Your Questions About Fostering Agencies

You may have found yourself wondering things like:

How to find the best fostering agencies in Wales?
Which fostering agency should I choose?
Who are the top 10 fostering agencies UK-wide, and how do I compare them?

These are all completely normal questions to be asking, and they show how seriously you’re taking this. Just by considering becoming a foster parent, you’re joining a very special group of people who are willing to open their hearts and their homes to children who need them most. And for that, we want to say a heartfelt thank you.

Navigating Your Fostering Agency Options

Trying to answer the question ‘which fostering agency should I choose?’ can feel overwhelming. There are lots of options out there, and each agency offers something a little different. That’s why we’ve written this blog, to help answer your questions about fostering with Family Fostering Partners, while also giving you some honest advice to think about when weighing up your choices.

We’ll guide you through our top tips on how to find the best fostering agencies in Wales, but more importantly, how to choose the best fostering agency for you. It’s a big decision, and one that deserves time, care, and the right information to support it.

Which Fostering Agency Should I Choose? Where to Start

We find that one of the very best places to start when thinking about which fostering agency to choose is by speaking to the people who know you best, your friends and family. Do they foster? Have they heard of any good agencies? Can they recommend one based on personal experience? These are often the people who can give you honest, unbiased opinions that really help to shape your decision.

You might want to ask them directly: how to find the best fostering agencies in Wales, or who they would include in their personal list of the top 10 fostering agencies UK-wide. These early conversations can be incredibly useful and might even point you toward agencies you hadn’t considered yet.

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How to Research the Best Fostering Agencies in Wales

A good place to start is the internet! A quick search for “fostering agencies near me” or “top 10 fostering agencies UK” will bring up a long list of options, but try not to base your decision on a website alone. Take a deeper look. Check out their social media, read reviews and testimonials, and ask yourself: do they feel like the right fit for you? Do their values align with yours? Take your time, there’s no rush to make this decision.

It’s also really important to read each agency’s CIW report. These give a professional, unbiased view of what you can expect and are a useful way of comparing agencies from an official standpoint. While CIW doesn't publish a list of the top 10 fostering agencies, these reports can help you decide which fostering agency you should choose based on facts rather than just first impressions.

So, how do you go about finding the best fostering agencies in Wales? The short answer: research, research, and more research!

Who Are the Top 10 Fostering Agencies, and How Do I Decide Who to Choose?

This is a big question, and truthfully, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. A good starting point is to think about what you need from this relationship. What kind of support do you want? What are your values? What do you hope to gain from this working partnership?

Try writing down a list of what matters most to you, then make a note of your own top 10 fostering agencies that you’re interested in. From there, work through the list and take your time exploring each one. If you’re asking yourself which fostering agency should I choose, the best answer is the one that feels right for you, not just on paper, but in practice.

Take a good look at each agency’s website, blogs, videos, and social media pages. Do they seem like a good fit? Do they speak your language, reflect your values, and offer the kind of support you’re looking for? You can arrange an initial conversation with as many or as few agencies as you like, there’s no pressure. Just focus on gathering the information you need.

Learn more about our values at Family Fostering Partners, and keep reading for some of the key things we believe are important when you’re figuring out how to find the best fostering agencies in Wales.

Fostering Agency or Council?

It’s a common question for new foster carers: should I foster through my local authority or go with an independent fostering agency? Both options have their strengths. Local authorities place the majority of children in care, and for some foster carers, working directly with them feels like the most straightforward route.

Independent fostering agencies, on the other hand, tend to offer more tailored support, specialist training, better fostering allowances/ fees, and a closer working relationship with your supervising social worker. Many carers find this added support makes a real difference, especially in those first few months or during more challenging placements.

If you’re already fostering and considering a change, you can read more about how to transfer to an independent fostering agency. Or if you’re just starting out on your journey, our guide on how to become a foster parent walks you through what to expect from the very beginning. The important thing is choosing the path that feels right for you, because with the right support behind you, fostering becomes not just possible, but genuinely life-changing.

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Which Fostering Agency Should I Choose? The Criteria

Support

When choosing who to foster with, support should be one of your top priorities. It’s important to think about what an agency can offer you, not just during the highs, but through the more challenging moments too. Ask yourself: Who will support me? How easy will they be to reach? Will I be speaking to the same person every time I need help?

At Family Fostering Partners, every foster parent is matched with a dedicated Link Worker who supports not just you, but also the children in your care and your wider family. Our team is known for being approachable, responsive, and always just a phone call or text away. As one of our foster parents, Katie, explains: “Nobody is inaccessible.” You can read more about our approach to support.

Alongside one-to-one help, we hold regular support groups where foster parents can chat over a coffee, share experiences, and feel part of a wider community. These are led by our Link Workers and fostering managers, and supported by our private foster parent Facebook group, an informal space to share updates, ideas, and encouragement.

And for those moments that don’t follow a 9-to-5 schedule, we also provide a 24-hour on-call service so you’re never left without advice when you need it most. On top of that, all our foster parents have access to FosterTalk, an independent organisation offering counselling, legal advice, and practical guidance.

Training

When thinking about what makes a fostering agency truly stand out, the training they offer should be right at the top of the list. Ongoing training is key to success as a foster parent—it helps build confidence, deepen understanding, and prepare you for the challenges and rewards that come with the role.

As the needs of the children in our care evolve, and as policies and best practices change, it’s essential that foster parents are kept informed and supported. That’s why, alongside all compulsory training, we also deliver tailored sessions to meet the unique needs of our fostering families. Topics include Internet Safety, Attachment, Gro Brain, Placement Endings, The Teenage Brain, Valuing Diversity, and more.

You can learn more about our training and development, including how we make learning accessible, practical, and relevant to everyday fostering life.

Community

When considering which fostering agency to apply to, it’s important to think about the community you’ll be joining. As the saying goes, “it takes a village”, and the people around you can make all the difference on your fostering journey.

Ask yourself: would you prefer to be part of a large, nationwide organisation, or a smaller, family-run agency where you can build closer relationships? To find the best fostering agency in Wales for you, it helps to consider the size and style of the agency you’d feel most comfortable with. This alone can help rule out agencies that might not be the right fit.

At Family Fostering Partners, we pride ourselves on creating a genuine sense of community. We host regular days out for our fostering families, fun, relaxed opportunities to connect, make friends, and feel part of something bigger. Our foster parents also stay in touch through closed Facebook groups, where they share stories, ideas, and photos, and celebrate each other’s successes along the way.

Want a glimpse into our wider community? Take a look at our open Wales Facebook page.

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Communication

When trying to find the best fostering agency in Wales, one of the clearest indicators is how well they communicate with you, right from your very first enquiry. Open, honest dialogue isn’t just a nice-to-have; it lays the foundation for a strong, successful working relationship built on trust, respect, and shared goals for the children in your care.

So, when thinking about how to find the best fostering agencies in Wales, look for an agency that responds quickly, answers your questions clearly, and makes you feel heard from day one. In our view, that kind of communication is absolutely essential.

At Family Fostering Partners, we pride ourselves on being truly contactable, whenever you need us. Whether it’s 4am or 4pm, someone will always be available to answer the phone, offer advice, and provide support. Our Link Workers visit regularly and make sure your whole family has their contact details, so even your children can reach out with questions if they need to.

During the assessment process, we’re open and honest with you every step of the way. We’ll be clear about our expectations, and we’ll be right beside you to guide you through it all.

In the early stages of deciding who to foster with, you might just want to chat or ask a few things, that’s completely fine. You can message us directly on Facebook, Instagram, or get in touch via email or our website. Someone from our team will always respond the same day. At Family Fostering Partners, we don’t shy away from awkward or difficult questions, so please, don’t be afraid to ask.

Questions to Ask the Top 10 Fostering Agencies UK-Wide

If you’ve been searching online for the top 10 fostering agencies in the UK, you’ve probably already realised that no two agencies are the same. Lists and rankings can give you a starting point, but the real value comes from asking the right questions, ones that help you find an agency that suits you.

Here are some important questions to consider:

What kind of support will I receive, and is it available 24/7?
Will I have a consistent point of contact throughout my fostering journey?
What training is offered, both at the start and ongoing?
How quickly do they respond to enquiries or offer advice when I need it?
Do they have a strong sense of community or opportunities to connect with other foster carers?
Are their values and approach a good fit for me and my family?
What do current foster carers say about their experiences?
Will I feel seen, heard, and genuinely supported?

Asking these questions can help you go beyond the surface and find an agency that truly understands what matters most to you as a foster parent.

Why Choose Family Fostering Partners

Much of what makes our agency special has already been shared throughout this blog—but if you're still thinking it through, here’s a quick recap of why so many families choose to foster with us:

24/7 support from a dedicated Link Worker who knows you and your family
Ongoing, tailored training designed to grow your skills and confidence
Honest, consistent communication from your very first enquiry
A genuine sense of community, with regular meetups and peer support
A family-run, values-led approach that puts relationships first
Quick responses, open conversations, and no question ever off limits

You can read more about what sets us apart on our Why Choose Us page.

There is No Exact Science, Go With Your Gut!

Our final and most important tip on how to find the best fostering agencies in Wales!

Our foster parent Jane explains how to choose the best fostering agencies: “we had researched FFP before we went with them, and all of the reviews looked really good. It just felt right when we met up with the people there.”

Sometimes, you will just ‘get that feeling’ and know if an agency is a good fit for you and your family. Don’t ignore that feeling! For Jane, she did not need to research the top 10 fostering agencies, she just had that gut feeling!

We hope this blog has helped in some way with giving you points to consider when embarking on your fostering journey and how to find the best fostering agencies in Wales! If you have any questions or queries, please don’t hesitate to contact us.