Dagenham Needs New Foster Carers
Your community needs you to foster!
Supporting Children in the Dagenham Community
Children living in Dagenham sometimes need safe and stable homes when they cannot live with their birth families. Foster carers from the local community play an important role in providing the care, patience and stability that children need during uncertain periods in their lives.
Greater London Fostering works with foster carers across East London, including Dagenham and the wider Barking and Dagenham borough. When children are able to remain close to their schools, friendships and familiar surroundings, it can help them maintain important connections during difficult times.
Many people who become foster carers say they had considered fostering for years before making their first enquiry. Often the biggest question is simply whether fostering could fit into their household and daily life.
If you are exploring fostering for the first time, you may find it helpful to read our guide to becoming a foster carer.
Fostering in Dagenham
Dagenham has a strong sense of community across neighbourhoods such as Dagenham Heathway, Becontree, Parsloes and Chadwell Heath. Like many areas of London, families sometimes face difficult circumstances that mean children need temporary care outside their birth families.
When children can remain close to their community, it often helps them maintain connections with school, friends and support networks. Foster carers living in Dagenham can play a vital role in helping children remain connected to their local area while providing a safe and supportive home.
You can also learn more about fostering across the borough on our page about fostering in Barking and Dagenham.
Could You Become a Foster Carer?
Foster carers come from many different walks of life. Some have experience working with children, while others bring valuable life skills from different careers and family experiences.
What matters most is the ability to provide a stable, caring and supportive home environment.
Many foster carers have a spare bedroom and time to support a child, which makes fostering possible for their household.
However, Greater London Fostering is also currently recruiting carers who are able to 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 that some people who previously thought they could not foster may still be able to provide care.
You can read more about eligibility on our foster carer requirements page.
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.
How to Become a Foster Carer
Becoming a foster carer involves a structured process designed to prepare you for the responsibilities involved.
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:
an informal conversation with our recruitment team
an introductory visit to learn more about your household
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 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.
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 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
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.
Taking the First Step Towards Fostering
Many foster carers say the most difficult step was simply making their first enquiry.
Speaking with someone from our team allows you to ask questions, understand the fostering process 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 Dagenham?
Yes. Many foster carers live in Dagenham and provide homes for children from across London. Local carers can help children remain close to their schools and communities.
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 room 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 to foster?
No previous professional experience with children is required. Training and ongoing support are provided to help foster carers develop the skills needed.