Camden Needs You: Become a Foster Carer
join London's Fostering Agency
Across the London Borough of Camden, children and young people sometimes need a safe and stable place to live when they cannot remain with their birth families. Foster carers play a vital role in helping children feel secure, supported and cared for during what can often be a very uncertain time in their lives.
Like many areas across London, Camden continues to face a shortage of foster carers. When local carers are not available, children may have to move outside the borough, away from their schools, friends and familiar surroundings. Becoming a foster carer can help children remain connected to their community while receiving the stability and care they need.
Greater London Fostering works with carers across London, including Camden, supporting them to provide nurturing homes where children can feel safe and valued.
If you are beginning to explore fostering, you can learn more about the process on our becoming a foster carer page.
Fostering in Camden
Camden is one of London’s most vibrant and diverse boroughs, with communities stretching across areas such as Camden Town, Hampstead, Kentish Town, Gospel Oak and Holborn. Families across the borough sometimes experience circumstances where children require temporary or longer-term care outside their birth families.
When children are able to remain close to their local area, it can make a significant difference to their wellbeing. Staying near their school, friends and familiar surroundings can help children feel more settled during what can otherwise be a difficult transition.
Foster carers living in Camden and the surrounding boroughs help provide this stability. They offer not only a safe home, but also encouragement, patience and consistency that allows children to rebuild confidence and feel supported.
You can read more about what fostering involves on our fostering a child page.
“We live in North London and wanted to do something that genuinely helped children in our community. Fostering with GLF has been incredibly rewarding, and the support we receive means we never feel like we’re doing it alone.”
Who Can Become a Foster Carer?
People often assume there are strict requirements for fostering, but foster carers come from a wide range of backgrounds. Some have professional experience working with children, while others simply have the patience, empathy and stability needed to provide a supportive home.
What matters most is being able to offer a safe environment where a child can feel secure and cared for.
In many cases, foster carers have a spare bedroom so a child placed with them has their own space. However, Greater London Fostering is also actively recruiting carers who are able to care for babies only. In these situations, a separate bedroom may not always be required because babies can sleep in a cot in the foster carer’s room.
This means some households who previously believed fostering was not possible may still be able to help.
You can find out more about eligibility on our foster carer requirements page.
The Journey to Becoming a Foster Carer
For many people, the most difficult step is simply making the first enquiry. Once you begin the process, you will be guided through each stage with support and training.
The fostering journey usually begins with a conversation with our recruitment team, where you can ask questions and learn more about the role. If you decide to move forward, you will be invited to an introductory visit and attend Skills to Foster training, which is designed to help you understand the realities of fostering and prepare for the role.
A full fostering assessment then takes place with a supervising social worker, followed by approval through an independent fostering panel. While the process is thorough, it is designed to ensure that both carers and children receive the support they need for successful placements.
You can explore the full process in detail on our fostering guide.
Financial Support for Foster Carers
Foster carers receive financial support to help cover the costs of 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
These payments include both the costs associated with caring for a child and a reward element for the foster carer.
You can read more about fostering payments on our foster care money page.
Support for Foster Carers
Foster carers are never expected to manage alone. Ongoing support is a central part of fostering, helping carers feel confident in their role and ensuring children receive the best possible care.
Support from Greater London Fostering typically includes:
a dedicated supervising social worker
regular supervision and support meetings
access to training and professional development
a community of other foster carers
24-hour support when needed
You can learn more about our organisation and approach on the About GLF page.
Areas in Camden That Need Foster Carers
Foster carers are needed across the London Borough of Camden, including areas such as:
Camden Town
Hampstead
Kentish Town
Gospel Oak
Holborn
Belsize Park
Having carers across the borough helps children remain closer to their schools, communities and support networks.
Taking the First Step
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 process and explore whether fostering might be right for you.
You can contact our team or arrange a call back to learn more about fostering in Camden.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I foster if I live in Camden?
Yes. Many foster carers live in Camden and surrounding boroughs and provide homes for children from across London.
Do I need a spare bedroom to foster?
In most situations a spare bedroom is required so the child placed with you has their own space.
However carers who foster 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. In some situations carers who care for 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 is required. Training and support are provided to help you develop the skills needed for fostering.