What is the mission of Greater London Fostering?

Greater London Fostering, often abbreviated to GLF, is an esteemed independent fostering agency located in the heart of London. With a rich experience of over 20 years, our purpose is to identify, enlist, train, and support outstanding foster carers throughout the city. These dedicated carers are then paired with children who need a comforting and safe home.

How does GLF support its foster carers in Hackney?

At GLF, our support for foster carers in Hackney is unwavering. We offer continuous advice and support to ensure you never feel isolated. We also offer ongoing training to keep you updated with the best fostering practices. In terms of financial support, we provide a weekly allowance of £450 for looking after a child under 11, and £475 for a child aged 11 or older. To foster a sense of community, we also organise family events during all school holidays.

What are the steps to become a foster carer with GLF in Hackney?

To become a foster carer with GLF in Hackney, the journey begins with an informal phone call where we answer any initial questions you may have about fostering. Then, we schedule a home visit to meet you and your family. You'll attend a detailed 2-day training course where we delve into the practical aspects of fostering. The last step is an extensive 4-month assessment where we examine your background and motivations for fostering. You'll receive guidance and support from us throughout this process.

Why is fostering particularly important in Hackney?

The need for foster carers in Hackney is significantly high due to several factors. Hackney, being a populated borough of London, has a naturally high number of children who need care. It also boasts a diverse community, which provides foster carers a unique chance to make a real difference in the lives of children from varied backgrounds. By choosing to become a foster carer in Hackney, you can offer these children a secure, caring environment during their most vulnerable times. At Greater London Fostering, we're committed to supporting you on this fulfilling journey.

Hackney Needs Foster Carers

Join Greater London Fosteirng

Across the London Borough of Hackney, children sometimes need safe and stable homes when they are unable to live with their birth families. Foster carers provide care, encouragement and stability during what can be a very uncertain time in a child’s life.

Hackney is a diverse and vibrant borough, but like many areas in London there is a continuing need for more foster carers. When children are able to stay close to their local area, they are more likely to remain connected to their schools, friendships and community networks.

Greater London Fostering supports foster carers across London, including carers living in Hackney, helping to provide safe and nurturing homes for children who need care.

If you are thinking about fostering for the first time, you may find it helpful to learn more about becoming a foster carer.

Fostering in Hackney

Hackney is one of East London’s most well-known boroughs, home to communities such as Hackney Central, Clapton, Stoke Newington, Dalston and Hoxton. Families across this part of London sometimes experience circumstances that mean children need temporary or longer-term care outside their birth families.

When foster carers live locally, children are more likely to remain connected to their schools, friends and community activities. Foster carers living in Hackney can help provide stability and reassurance during a difficult time in a child’s life.

You can read more about what fostering involves on our fostering a child page.

The Hackney Community

Hackney is known for its strong sense of community and its mix of cultures, neighbourhoods and green spaces. The borough includes well-loved areas such as London Fields, Victoria Park, Hackney Marshes and Clissold Park, all popular places for families.

The borough also benefits from strong transport links including Hackney Central, Hackney Downs, Dalston Junction and the Overground network, making travel across London straightforward.

For children entering foster care, remaining close to familiar places such as their schools, parks and communities can make a real difference to their sense of stability.

Could You Become a Foster Carer in Hackney?

Foster carers come from many different backgrounds and professions. Some people have experience working with children, while others bring valuable life experience, patience and empathy.

What matters most is the ability to provide a safe, stable and supportive home environment.

Many foster carers have a spare bedroom and availability to support a child, allowing them to care for children who need temporary or longer-term homes.

However, Greater London Fostering is also actively recruiting carers who are able to care for babies only. In these situations, a spare bedroom may not always be required because babies can sleep in a cot in the foster carer’s bedroom.

This means some households who previously believed fostering was not possible may still be able to help.

You can learn more about eligibility on our foster carer requirements page.

How to Become a Foster Carer

Becoming a foster carer involves a structured process designed to help you understand the role and prepare for fostering.

For many people, the first step is simply speaking with our team to ask questions and learn more about fostering.

The process usually includes:

speaking with a member of our recruitment team
an introductory visit to learn more about your household and lifestyle
attending Skills to Foster training, a two-day preparation course
completing a fostering application
a full fostering assessment with a social worker
approval through an independent fostering panel

You can read more about the process on our fostering guide.

We asked our carer Jacqui, why do you foster?

We live in East London and wanted to do something meaningful in our community. Fostering with GLF has been incredibly rewarding, and the support from the team means we always feel supported and valued.”

Jacqui Tweet

Financial Support for Foster Carers

Foster carers receive financial support to help cover the costs involved in caring for a child and to recognise the commitment required.

At Greater London Fostering, carers currently receive:

£479.50 per week to care for a child aged 10 and under
£507.50 per week to care for a child aged 11 and over

This weekly payment includes both the costs involved in caring for a child and a reward element recognising the important role foster carers play.

You can learn more about fostering payments on our foster care payments page.

Areas in Hackney That Need Foster Carers

We are recruiting foster carers across the borough including:

Hackney Central
Stoke Newington
Clapton
Dalston
Hoxton

Having foster carers across the borough helps children remain close to their schools, friends and support networks.

Taking the First Step Towards Fostering

Many foster carers say the most difficult step was simply making the first enquiry.

Speaking with someone from our team can help you understand the fostering process, ask questions and explore whether fostering might be right for you.

You can:

Contact our team
or Arrange a call back

Even a short conversation can help you understand whether fostering might be right for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I foster if I live in Hackney?

Yes. Many foster carers live in Hackney and surrounding parts of East London and provide homes for children who need care.

Do I need a spare bedroom to foster?

In most situations foster carers need a spare bedroom so the child placed with them has their own private space.

However carers who are able to care for babies may not always need a separate bedroom because babies can sleep in a cot in the foster carer’s room.

Can I foster a baby without a spare bedroom?

Yes. Some carers who look after babies may not need a separate bedroom because the baby can sleep in a cot in the foster carer’s bedroom.

How much do foster carers receive?

Greater London Fostering currently pays £479.50 per week for children aged 10 and under and £507.50 per week for children aged 11 and over.

Do I need experience working with children?

No previous professional experience with children is required. Training and ongoing support are provided.