Foster Carers Needed in Southfields
Join London's fostering agency
Why Southfields Needs Foster Carers
Southfields is a leafy part of Wandsworth close to Wimbledon, but some children here cannot remain with their birth parents. When there aren’t enough local carers, children may be placed far away, leaving behind their school friends and local networks. By fostering in Southfields you help children stay near their school on Merton Road or St Michael’s and the park where they play football.
Fostering in Southfields
A Southfields foster carer helps children maintain their routines: attending the same school, walking through the same park and shopping at the same local stores. This continuity builds trust and stability. Our becoming a foster carer guide explains the process. We provide comprehensive training and a supervising social worker.
About the Southfields Community
Southfields is known for its quiet, residential streets and proximity to Wimbledon Park and the All England Lawn Tennis Club. The District Line station at Southfields provides quick access to central London. Wimbledon Park features a boating lake, playgrounds and open lawns; it’s a popular spot for families. Southfields’ high street along Wimbledon Park Road is dotted with cafés, independent shops and grocery stores. Nearby King George’s Park offers additional green space. Community events during the Wimbledon Championships give the area a lively feel.
“From watching tennis fans queue for Wimbledon to feeding ducks at Wimbledon Park with our foster child, we’ve seen how familiar sights help children feel at home.”
You probably have a lot of questions about fostering.
Could You Become a Foster Carer?
Yes. Whether you live in a flat near the station or a house near Wimbledon Park, you can foster if you can provide a safe, loving environment. You don’t need to be married or own your home. See our foster‑carer requirements. We particularly need carers for babies – a cot in your bedroom may suffice initially.
What Kind of Person Makes a Good Foster Carer
We look for calm, caring individuals who can offer consistency and patience. They should be good listeners and open to guidance and learning.
How to Become a Foster Carer
The journey usually takes up to six months: enquiry, initial chat, home visit, Skills to Foster training, assessment and panel.
Financial Support For Foster Carers
People don’t become foster carers because of the money. They do it to make a difference in a child’s life.
But it’s equally true that fostering needs to be financially manageable, so that carers can focus fully on providing stability and care.
Foster carers receive a weekly allowance to support them in their role.
At Greater London Fostering, this is currently:
£479.50 per week for children aged 10 and under
£507.50 per week for children aged 11 and over
This payment is made up of two parts. The first is to cover the day-to-day costs of caring for a child, such as food, clothing, activities, and household expenses. The second is a professional reward, recognising the time, commitment, and responsibility involved in fostering.
Foster carers are not expected to manage financially on their own. Alongside the weekly allowance, you will also receive guidance, training, and ongoing support to help you feel confident in your role.
For many people, fostering becomes both a meaningful way to support children and a sustainable role within their household.
If you would like to explore this in more detail, you can read more here:
👉 https://greaterlondonfostering.org/foster-care-money/
Take the First Step
If you’re considering fostering in Elephant & Castle, the first step is simply to find out more.
You can contact the team here:
https://greaterlondonfostering.org/contact-us/
Or arrange a call back at a time that suits you:
https://greaterlondonfostering.org/lp/arrange-a-call-back/
There’s no pressure — just an opportunity to explore whether fostering could be right for you.
Foster Carers Needed Across Wandsworth
Foster carers are needed across Wandsworth, including in Battersea, Balham, Tooting, Putney, Wandsworth, Earlsfield, Southfields, Roehampton and Clapham Junction.
Local foster carers help children stay connected to their school, friends and community.
FAQs
Can I work part‑time and foster?
Yes. Many carers work part‑time or flexible hours. You’ll need time for school runs, meetings and training.Can single people or couples foster?
Both singles and couples can foster. We welcome carers from all backgrounds.Do I need a spare bedroom?
A separate bedroom is required for most children, but babies can sleep in a cot in your room for a time.How long does the approval process take?
It usually takes up to six months from enquiry to approval.What training will I get?
You’ll attend a Skills to Foster course and ongoing workshops covering topics such as attachment, behaviour and cultural awareness.