What does Greater London Fostering represent?

Greater London Fostering, commonly known as GLF, is a prestigious independent fostering agency based in the centre of London. With a track record of over 20 years, we strive to find, enlist, train, and support high-quality foster carers across the city. These committed carers are subsequently matched with children who need a loving and supportive home.

How does GLF support its foster carers in Bexley?

At GLF, we extend unwavering support to our foster carers in Bexley. We provide round-the-clock advice and help so you never feel isolated. Continuous training is also provided to help you stay abreast of the latest fostering practices. Financially, we offer a weekly allowance of £450 for caring for a child under 11, and £475 for a child aged 11 or older. Plus, we organise family events during every school holiday to foster a sense of community and enjoyment.

What steps should I take to become a foster carer with GLF in Bexley?

To become a foster carer with GLF in Bexley, the process begins with an informal chat over the phone where we'll answer your initial questions about fostering. Then, we'll schedule a home visit to meet you and your family. You'll then be invited to a comprehensive 2-day training course to delve into the practical aspects of fostering. The concluding stage is a detailed 4-month assessment where we explore your background and motivations for wanting to foster. You'll have our full guidance and support throughout this journey.

Why should I consider fostering in Bexley?

Bexley has a significant need for more foster carers. As one of the larger boroughs in London, the number of children who require care is naturally higher. Bexley, with its diverse community, presents opportunities for foster carers to make a tangible difference in the lives of children from different backgrounds. By deciding to become a foster carer in Bexley, you can provide these children with a stable, caring environment when they need it most. At Greater London Fostering, we're committed to supporting you through this meaningful journey.

Bexley Needs New Foster Carers

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Supporting Children and Young People in Bexley

Across Bexley, children and young people sometimes need safe and stable homes when they cannot live with their birth families. Foster carers provide an essential source of stability, care and encouragement during what can be a very uncertain time in a child’s life.

Like many London boroughs, Bexley needs more foster carers so that children can remain closer to their communities whenever possible. When foster carers are available locally, it can help children stay connected to their schools, friendships and familiar surroundings.

Greater London Fostering supports foster carers across London, including Bexley, helping them provide safe and supportive homes for children who need care.

If you are beginning to explore fostering, you may find it helpful to read more about becoming a foster carer.

Fostering in Bexley

The London Borough of Bexley includes communities such as Bexleyheath, Sidcup, Welling, Erith and Crayford. Families across these areas sometimes face circumstances that mean children need temporary or longer-term care outside their birth families.

When foster carers live locally, children are often able to remain closer to their community, which can make a positive difference to their wellbeing and stability.

Foster carers living in or near Bexley can help children maintain important connections while providing a supportive and nurturing home environment.

You can also learn more about fostering in London by exploring the different types of fostering.

Could You Become a Foster Carer?

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

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

Many foster carers have a spare bedroom and time to support a child, which allows them to care for children who need a temporary or longer-term home.

However, Greater London Fostering is also actively recruiting carers who are able to provide care for babies only. In these situations, a separate 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 they could not foster may still be able to provide care.

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

Fostering is hands down the best thing I've done in my career

Brett

How to Become a Foster Carer

Becoming a foster carer involves a structured process designed to prepare you for the role and ensure fostering is right for your household.

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

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 course introducing fostering
completing a fostering application
a full fostering assessment with a social worker
approval through an independent fostering panel

You can read a full explanation of the process on our becoming a foster carer guide.

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 read more about allowances on our foster care payments page.

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.

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 at a time that suits you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I foster if I live in Bexley?

Yes. Many foster carers live in Bexley and across South East London. Foster carers help children remain closer to their communities and support networks whenever possible.

Do I need a spare bedroom to foster?

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

However, Greater London Fostering is currently recruiting carers who can care for babies. Because babies sleep in a cot, they can sometimes share the foster carer’s bedroom.

Can I foster a baby without a spare bedroom?

Yes. In some situations carers who are able to care for babies may not need a separate spare bedroom because the baby can sleep in a cot in the foster carer’s bedroom.

How much do foster carers receive?

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 working with children?

No previous professional experience with children is required. Training and ongoing support are provided to help foster carers develop the skills needed.