A pioneering new fostering agency, HOME, has officially launched with a bold mission: to remove one of the biggest barriers stopping people from becoming foster carers—access to suitable, large houses with sufficient bedroom space to help more brothers and sisters in care grow up together.
The agency’s first intake will be limited to six “would-be foster carer” households in Greater Manchester, reflecting a deliberate, careful, and person-centred approach as the service begins. These six households will be the first in the UK to receive tailored practical and financial support to help secure appropriate accommodation as part of their fostering journey. With applications now open, recruitment will pause once all six places are filled, ensuring focused, high-quality support for each household.
Developed by Social adVentures, a Salford-based social enterprise, HOME blends international best practice with a not-for-profit approach that reinvests directly into communities. Last year across the UK, 150,000 people enquired about fostering—yet an estimated 25 per cent of those enquiries were immediately closed due to property barriers. Younger adults and those renting privately are disproportionately affected, despite having the values, commitment, experience, and love needed to care for children. Meanwhile, up to 45 per cent of children in care are placed outside their home local authority, and sibling groups are frequently separated due to a lack of larger homes. National data suggests a one in two chance that a sibling group of three will be split up. HOME exists to change this.
“A bright future is the right of every young person. But to get there, we need more foster carers and we need to remove the housing barriers that stop brilliant people from stepping forward,” said Allan Madeley, director at HOME.
Unlike traditional fostering agencies, HOME directly supports prospective carers to: find a suitable fostering-appropriate home in an area they want to live; move into the property with practical and financial support; and live securely with ongoing rent support for the entire fostering period. This includes a Moving HOME Grant to help with deposits, initial rent, and essential furniture, alongside a significant monthly rent contribution. By increasing the availability of larger foster homes, HOME aims to keep more siblings together and reduce the number of children placed in residential care unnecessarily—a practice that can cost the public purse up to five times more.
HOME’s model is built around strong relationships, high-quality practice, and a nurturing community. Carers receive: a dedicated supervising social worker; 24/7 support, including practical help from our wraparound team of support workers with transport for school, family time or appointments; peer support networks and reflective spaces; access to therapeutic, educational, and health specialists; and a full training pathway, including a professional fostering qualification. With a lower staff-to-carer ratio, HOME provides focused, responsive support designed to create stability for both carers and children.
HOME was recently registered with OFSTED and is inviting people across Greater Manchester who may be interested in learning more about our model and explore whether fostering could be part of their future. The HOME model has been designed with scalability in mind, offering a potential blueprint for local authorities and social enterprises seeking to expand placement sufficiency and diversify their carer base.
“We’re building a community of carers who have the space, support, and stability to help children thrive,” Allan Madeley added. “This is about belonging, connection, and giving children the chance to grow up alongside the people who know them best—their siblings.”
Prospective carers who have previously felt held back by property, space or housing challenges are encouraged to apply. For more information visit: www.homefostering.org.uk
