Calling for Care: Brent Needs New Foster Carers
Are they you!!!
Across the London Borough of Brent, children and young people sometimes need safe and stable homes when they cannot live with their birth families. Foster carers play a vital role in providing the stability, care and encouragement children need during difficult periods in their lives.
Like many boroughs across London, Brent continues to experience a shortage of foster carers. This means some children are placed outside their local area, away from their schools, friends and communities.
By becoming a foster carer in Brent, you could help a child remain closer to the people and places that matter most to them.
Greater London Fostering works with carers across London, including Brent, helping to provide safe and nurturing homes for children and young people who need care.
If you are exploring fostering for the first time, you may find it helpful to read more about becoming a foster carer.
Why Foster Carers Are Needed in Brent
Brent is one of the most diverse boroughs in London, with communities across areas such as Wembley, Kilburn, Harlesden and Willesden. Families across the borough sometimes face circumstances where children need temporary or longer-term care outside their birth families.
When foster carers live locally, children are more likely to remain connected to:
their schools
friendships and community groups
local services and support networks
Foster carers in Brent help provide stability and continuity at a time when children need it most.
You can learn more about how fostering works on our fostering a child page.
We asked our carer Jacqui, what's the best thing about fostering?
Everyday is different, I'm never bored, that's probably the best thing. It's not like raising your own children, you have to face different challenges everyday.
Could You Become a Foster Carer?
Foster carers come from many different backgrounds and life experiences. Some people have worked with children professionally, while others simply have the patience, empathy and stability needed to support a child.
What matters most is being able to provide a safe, supportive and stable home environment.
Many foster carers have a spare bedroom and time to support a child, allowing them to provide a temporary or longer-term home.
However, Greater London Fostering is also actively recruiting carers who are able to care for babies only. In these situations, a 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 fostering was not possible may still be able to help.
You can learn more about eligibility on our foster carer requirements page.
Types of Fostering in Brent
Foster carers support children in different ways depending on their needs. Some children need short-term care while plans are made for their future, while others may stay with foster carers for longer periods.
Common types of fostering include:
Short-term fostering – providing care for children while longer-term plans are made
Long-term fostering – providing stability for children who cannot return home
Emergency fostering – offering immediate care when children need a safe place quickly
Baby fostering – caring for babies who require nurturing and stability early in life
You can explore the different roles on our types of fostering page.
How to Become a Foster Carer
Becoming a foster carer involves a structured process designed to help you understand the role and prepare for fostering.
The process typically includes:
An initial conversation with our recruitment team
An introductory visit to learn more about fostering and your household
Attending Skills to Foster training, a two-day course
Completing a fostering application
A full fostering assessment with a social worker
Approval through an independent fostering panel
You can read more about the full 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 fostering payments on our foster care payments page.
Support for Foster Carers
Foster carers are never expected to manage alone. Greater London Fostering provides ongoing support, training and guidance to help carers feel confident in their role.
Support typically includes:
a dedicated supervising social worker
ongoing training and development opportunities
24-hour support for carers
access to a network of other foster carers
regular supervision and support meetings
You can learn more about our approach on the About Greater London Fostering page.
Areas in Brent That Need Foster Carers
Foster carers are needed across the London Borough of Brent, including communities such as:
Wembley
Kilburn
Harlesden
Willesden
Kingsbury
Neasden
Having carers across these areas helps children remain close to their schools, communities and support networks.
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 Brent?
Yes. Many foster carers live in Brent and surrounding boroughs and provide homes for children from across London.
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 carers who foster babies may not always need a separate room because babies can sleep in a cot in 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 bedroom because the baby can sleep in a cot in the foster carer’s room.
How much do foster carers receive?
Greater London Fostering currently pays £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 is required. Training and ongoing support are provided.