Kirklees Together

Could you help to change lives by fostering a child or young person? It’s a life changing experience for everyone involved.

Across the UK, foster carers provide love, stability, and nurturing care to children and young people who, through no fault of their own, are unable to live with their birth parents. These carers play a vital role in helping children feel safe, valued and supported.

We are looking to boost the number of carers living locally. Those who live in – or close to – Kirklees can make a real difference, helping local children stay connected to familiar places, schools and people they know.

The call comes in the run up to Foster Care Fortnight, 11 to 24 May, which celebrates existing carers and encourages others to start their fostering career.

Who can foster

We welcome applications from all walks of life, ages and backgrounds. Your relationship status, income or living in a rented home will not affect an application either.

There are also different types of fostering available to fit around a variety of lifestyles and existing family commitments.

We’d particularly like to hear from people who could consider caring for older children or siblings.

Successful applicants will receive full training and expert support as well as a payment and benefits package. Foster carers for the council also become part of a wider team that work together to give local children the best start in life.

More information

Members of the council’s fostering team will visit the following libraries to share information and answer your questions about fostering:

• Holmfirth Library Hub, 47 Huddersfield Road, HD9 3JH

Monday 11 May 2026, 10am – 1pm

• Mirfield Library, Eastthorpe Lodge, Huddersfield Road, WF14 8AN

Wednesday 13 May 2026, 10am – 1pm

• Huddersfield Library Hub, Civic Centre 3, High Street, HD1 2YZ

Friday 15 May 2026, 10am – 1pm

• Cleckheaton Library Hub, Whitcliffe Road, BD19 3DX

Monday 18 May 2026, 10am – 1pm

• Dewsbury Library Hub, The Walsh Building, Town Hall Way, WF12 8EE

Friday 22 May 2026, 10am – 1pm

Alternatively, information is available at www.kirklees.gov.uk/fostering or call us on 0800 389 0086.

Tom Brailsford, Executive Director – Children and Families, said:

“I’d like to thank our foster carers who do an amazing job. While their work is often unseen, it is absolutely essential for children and young people who need support and a safe place to call home. Through their nurturing care and reassuring stability, they give children an opportunity for a better childhood and the confidence to thrive.

“I urge anyone who’s wondering if they could foster to find out more. Our foster carers tell us it’s a life-changing experience, not only for those they look after, but for themselves too.

“Every carer’s journey starts the same way – with a willingness to help and a chat with the council’s fostering team. If you’re able to take that step, your kindness and commitment could change lives.”