Barking Needs New Foster Carers
Your community needs you to foster!
Supporting Children in the Barking Community
Children in Barking sometimes need safe and stable homes when they cannot live with their birth families. Foster carers from the local community can make a huge difference by providing the stability, encouragement and care that children need during difficult periods in their lives.
Greater London Fostering works with foster carers across East London, including Barking and the wider Barking and Dagenham borough. Local carers help children remain close to their schools, friends and familiar surroundings, which can be incredibly important for their sense of stability.
Many people living in Barking have thought about fostering at some point but are unsure how the process works or whether they would be eligible. The reality is that foster carers come from many different backgrounds, and the first step is simply learning more.
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
Barking is a vibrant and growing part of East London, with communities around areas such as Barking Riverside, Upney, Thames View and Abbey.
When children from the area need foster care, remaining close to their community can help them maintain important connections with school, friends and support networks. Foster carers who live locally can help make this possible.
If you live in Barking and have the time and space to support a child, fostering could be an opportunity to make a meaningful difference within your own community.
You can also read more about fostering across the wider borough on our page about fostering in Barking and Dagenham.
Could You Foster?
People often assume they need specialist experience or a particular career to become a foster carer. In reality, foster carers come from a wide range of professions and life experiences.
What matters most is your ability to provide a stable and supportive home environment.
Many foster carers share some common qualities, including patience, empathy and a willingness to work alongside professionals involved in a child’s care.
If you have a spare bedroom and time to support a child, fostering may be possible for you.
You can learn more about the requirements on our foster carer requirements page.
How to Become a Foster Carer
Becoming a foster carer involves a step-by-step process designed to help you understand the role fully and prepare for fostering.
The first step is usually an informal conversation with our team where you can ask questions and explore whether fostering might be right for you.
The process then typically includes:
an initial visit to learn more about your household and lifestyle
attending Skills to Foster training, a two-day introduction to fostering
completing a fostering application
a full assessment with a social worker
approval through an independent fostering panel
You can read a detailed explanation of the process on our page about becoming a foster carer.
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 involved in caring for a child and to recognise the time and 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 of caring for a child and a reward element for the important role foster carers play.
You can learn more about fostering allowances on our foster care payments page.
Take the First Step Towards Fostering
Many people who become foster carers say 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 could work 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 Barking?
Yes. Many foster carers live in Barking and provide homes for children from across London. Local carers can help children remain close to their communities and schools.
Do I need a spare bedroom to foster?
Yes. Foster carers normally need a spare bedroom so the child placed with them has their own private space.
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 with children to foster?
No previous professional experience with children is required. Training and support are provided to help carers develop the skills needed to care for children.
How do I start the fostering process?
Most people begin by having an informal conversation with the agency. This allows you to ask questions and learn more about the fostering process before deciding whether to proceed.