Fostering questions
Ask the question that is really on your mind.
People rarely arrive with one neat question. More often, it is a mixture of hope and uncertainty: could I do this, how would it affect my family, and who would be beside me when things became difficult?
Where questions begin
Maybe fostering has been at the back of your mind for a while.
Perhaps it is something you have quietly thought about for years. Perhaps a change in your life has only just made it feel possible.
Then the practical questions arrive—about work, bedrooms, money, pets, your family and whether you could manage the difficult days as well as the good ones.
You do not need to resolve all of that before speaking to us. Our first job is to listen, understand your life and give you an honest answer about what fostering could look like for you.
You are allowed to be unsure.There are no silly questions, and asking one does not commit you to applying.
The practical questions
Let’s take them one at a time.
Start with the question that sounds most like yours. Real lives rarely fit neatly into an FAQ, so talk to us if you need a more personal answer.
Can I foster if I work?
Yes, in many cases. What matters is whether you have enough flexibility and support to meet appointments, school commitments and the child’s day-to-day needs.
Do I need a qualification or professional childcare experience?
No. Life experience, patience, reliability and openness to learning matter more. Training begins during assessment and continues after approval.
Do I need a spare bedroom?
In most cases, a child needs their own bedroom. For baby fostering, a separate room may not always be required because a baby can sleep safely in a cot in the carer’s bedroom.
Can I foster if I am single?
Yes. Many people foster on their own. A reliable personal support network is helpful, but being married or in a relationship is not a requirement.
Can LGBTQ+ people foster?
Absolutely. Sexuality and gender identity are not barriers to fostering. Children need safe, stable and accepting homes from carers with many different backgrounds.
Someone beside you
And when things feel difficult?
Sometimes the question underneath all the others is this: will someone really be there when I need them? You can want to foster and still wonder how you will manage a difficult evening, or a child’s feelings that you do not yet understand.
At GLF, your own supervising social worker stays close to you, your family and the child in your care. That means calls at least weekly, visits at least monthly and direct phone support 24/7. When you call, you are reaching someone who knows you—not an anonymous out-of-hours service.
Our therapeutic lead can work with you to understand what a child may be communicating through their behaviour. Weekly Zoom training and monthly support groups also give you time with other carers who understand the everyday realities.
You are part of our team. If an allegation is made, we fully support you through it and advocate for you. And we are there for the good days too: celebrating achievements and marking the moments that matter to you and your family.
You do not have to manage everything alone.Asking for help is part of caring for a child. We want you to feel able to pick up the phone.
A few more practicalities
How might it work in your life?
Your home, your finances and where you live all matter. Here are five more answers to help you picture the everyday side of fostering.
Can I foster if I rent my home?
Yes. You do not need to own your property, although you will normally need a stable tenancy and appropriate space for a child.
Can I foster if I have pets?
Usually, yes. Pets can bring comfort and routine. We assess their temperament and your home setup carefully, with the child’s safety as the priority.
How much are foster carers paid?
GLF currently pays £479.50 per week for children aged 10 and under, and £507.50 per week for children aged 11 and over. These are weekly figures per child, not a range. Enhancements may apply where needs warrant them.
Can I transfer from another fostering agency?
Yes. The process depends on whether a child is currently living with you and whether your present agency is an independent provider or local authority. Start with a confidential conversation.
Which areas do you cover?
GLF works across every London borough. If you live outside London, get in touch anyway: a sister Positive Aspirations agency may cover your area.
Taking the next step
It starts with a conversation, not a commitment.
You do not need to arrive with a completed application or a perfectly worked-out plan. Tell us a little about your life, who is at home with you and what has made you think about fostering. Bring the questions that are still on your mind.
We will talk honestly about what could work for you and your family. You need to be at least 21 to foster with us, but there is no fixed upper age limit: your health, energy and circumstances matter.
If you decide to explore things further, becoming a foster carer usually takes several months. There is a home visit, training and an assessment before an independent fostering panel. It is time for us to get to know you, and for you to understand the role and the team who would support you.
It is also a chance to talk about how fostering could affect everyone in your household. You should have space to ask questions along the way, rather than feeling you have to know everything at the beginning.
For now, one conversation is enough.Ask what you need to ask. We will listen, and you can decide what feels right for you.
Take the first step
Arrange a 15-minute call.
Leave your name and number and our fostering team will call you back. It is simply a chance to ask questions and see what feels right.
Not ready to talk?
That is completely fine.
Keep exploring in whichever way feels most comfortable.