Barking & Dagenham Needs New Foster Carers
Your community needs you to foster!
Children in Barking and Dagenham sometimes need safe and stable homes when they cannot live with their birth families. Foster carers from the local community play a vital role in helping these children feel secure and supported during a difficult time in their lives.
Greater London Fostering works with carers across London, including Barking and Dagenham, to provide homes where children can rebuild confidence, continue their education and develop positive aspirations for the future.
Many people who become foster carers say they had been thinking about fostering for a long time before taking the first step. Often the biggest question is simply how the process works and whether it could fit into their lives.
I know other non GLF carers are shocked at how much more I get to foster, to basically do the same as them. Some have even transferred as a result.
Fostering in Barking and Dagenham
Barking and Dagenham is one of London’s youngest boroughs, with vibrant communities in areas such as Barking, Dagenham Heathway, Becontree and Chadwell Heath.
When children need foster care, it can be incredibly valuable for them to remain close to the places they know — their school, friends, extended family and local community. Foster carers from Barking and Dagenham help make this possible.
By fostering locally, you can make a meaningful difference to a child while helping them maintain the connections that are important to their wellbeing.
How to Become a Foster Carer
Becoming a foster carer is a structured process designed to help you understand the role fully and ensure fostering is the right decision for your household.
For most people, the first step is simply having a conversation and learning more about how fostering works.
Step 1: Speak with our recruitment team
The process usually begins with an informal phone or video call with a member of our recruitment team. This gives you the opportunity to ask questions, discuss your situation and learn more about fostering.
Step 2: Initial visit
If you would like to continue, we arrange an initial visit — often carried out virtually. This allows us to talk in more detail about fostering and how it might fit into your household and daily life.
Step 3: Skills to Foster training
Prospective carers attend Skills to Foster training, a two-day course that introduces the key responsibilities involved in fostering and helps you understand the experiences of children in care.
Step 4: Application and assessment
You will then complete a formal application and begin the fostering assessment process. During this time, a social worker works closely with you to explore your background, experience and readiness to foster.
Step 5: Panel and approval
When your assessment is complete, it is presented to an independent fostering panel. If approved, you become a fully approved foster carer and can begin welcoming children into your home.
You can learn more about the full process on our page about becoming a foster carer.
Could You Become a Foster Carer?
Many people assume they might not qualify to foster, but foster carers come from many different backgrounds and professions.
If you have a spare bedroom and time to support a child, fostering may be possible for you. What matters most is your ability to provide stability, patience and a supportive home environment.
If you are unsure whether fostering could work for you, you may find it helpful to read more about foster carer requirements or explore our guide answering the question Can I foster?.
Financial Support for Foster Carers
Foster carers receive financial support to help cover the costs of caring for a child and to recognise the time and commitment involved in the role.
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 are designed to support the needs of the child while recognising the important role foster carers play in providing stability and care.
You can learn more about fostering allowances on our foster care payments page.
Taking the First Step
Many people who become foster carers say that the hardest part was simply deciding to make the first enquiry.
Speaking with someone from our team can help you understand the process, ask questions and explore whether fostering might be right for you.
You can arrange a call back or contact our team to start the conversation.
You probably have a lot of questions about fostering.
Luckily we have a lot of experience, so can usually answer them honestly. We are really happy to have an informal chat with you, about fostering, whether you are suitable, and what it’s really like. So why not arrange a 15 minute call – we promise you it will save you several hours of searching the internet for answers, plus, we really love talking to people about fostering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I foster if I live in Barking and Dagenham?
Yes. Many foster carers live in Barking and Dagenham and provide homes for children from across London. Local carers play an important role in helping children remain close to their communities.
Do I need to own my home to foster?
No. Many foster carers rent their homes. The main requirement is having a spare bedroom and a stable living environment.
How much do foster carers receive in Barking and Dagenham?
Foster carers with Greater London Fostering currently receive £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 with children to become a foster carer?
No previous professional experience with children is required. Training and ongoing support are provided to help you develop the skills needed to support children in care.
How long does the fostering process take?
The assessment process typically takes several months and includes training, background checks and meetings with a social worker who works closely with you throughout the process.