The City of London Needs Foster Carers
Join GLF - London's Fostering Agency
The City of London may be the historic heart of London’s financial district, but children and young people connected to the borough still sometimes need safe and stable homes when they cannot live with their birth families.
Foster carers play a vital role in providing care, patience and stability during what can often be a difficult time in a child’s life. By opening your home to a child who needs support, you can help them feel secure, valued and able to rebuild confidence.
Across London there is an ongoing shortage of foster carers. When carers are not available locally, children may need to move further away from their communities, schools and support networks. Becoming a foster carer can help children remain closer to familiar surroundings during periods of change.
Greater London Fostering works with foster carers across London, including people living or working close to the City of London, helping to provide safe and nurturing homes for children who need care.
If you are exploring fostering for the first time, you can learn more about the process on our becoming a foster carer page.
Fostering Near the City of London
While the City itself has a small residential population, many foster carers live in surrounding areas such as Islington, Tower Hamlets, Hackney and Southwark. These communities help support children connected to the City of London who require foster care.
When foster carers live close to a child’s local area, it can help maintain important routines and relationships. Remaining near their school, friends and familiar places can help children feel more settled during what may otherwise be a very uncertain period.
Foster carers provide more than simply accommodation. They offer encouragement, patience and a consistent home environment where children can feel safe and supported.
You can learn more about the role on our fostering a child page.
We asked our carer Jacqui, what's the best thing about fostering?
“We live close to central London and wanted to help children locally who needed stability. Fostering has been incredibly rewarding, and the support we receive from GLF makes all the difference.”
Fostering Near the City of London
While the City itself has a small residential population, many foster carers live in surrounding areas such as Islington, Tower Hamlets, Hackney and Southwark. These communities help support children connected to the City of London who require foster care.
When foster carers live close to a child’s local area, it can help maintain important routines and relationships. Remaining near their school, friends and familiar places can help children feel more settled during what may otherwise be a very uncertain period.
Foster carers provide more than simply accommodation. They offer encouragement, patience and a consistent home environment where children can feel safe and supported.
You can learn more about the role on our fostering a child page.
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 cost of caring for the child and a reward element recognising the role foster carers play.
You can read more about fostering payments on our foster care payments page.
Who Can Become a Foster Carer?
People often assume fostering has very strict requirements, but foster carers come from many different backgrounds and professions.
Some carers have experience working with children, while others simply have the patience, stability and empathy needed to support a young person. What matters most is being able to offer a safe and supportive home environment.
In many cases foster carers have a spare bedroom so the child placed with them has their own space.
However, Greater London Fostering is also actively 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 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.
The Process of Becoming a Foster Carer
For many people, the most difficult step is simply making the first enquiry. Once you start the process, you will be supported through each stage.
The journey usually begins with a conversation with our recruitment team, where you can ask questions and learn more about the role. If you decide to continue, you will take part in Skills to Foster training, a two-day course designed to prepare you for fostering.
A full fostering assessment then takes place with a social worker before approval through an independent fostering panel.
Although the process is thorough, it is designed to ensure both carers and children receive the right support for successful placements.
You can explore the full process on our fostering guide.
Support for Foster Carers
Foster carers are never expected to manage alone. Ongoing support is a central part of fostering and helps carers feel confident in their role.
Greater London Fostering provides:
a dedicated supervising social worker
ongoing training and development opportunities
regular supervision and support meetings
access to a community of foster carers
24-hour support when needed
You can learn more about our approach on the About Greater London Fostering page.
Areas Near the City of London That Need Foster Carers
People living close to the City of London can still make a huge difference to children connected to the borough. Foster carers are needed in nearby communities including:
Islington
Hackney
Tower Hamlets
Southwark
Camden
Having carers across these areas helps children remain closer to their schools and communities.
Taking the First Step Towards Fostering
Many foster carers say the hardest step was simply making the first enquiry.
Speaking with someone from our team can help you understand the fostering process and explore whether fostering might be right for you.
You can contact our team or arrange a call back to learn more about fostering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I foster if I live near the City of London?
Yes. Many foster carers live in neighbouring boroughs such as Islington, Hackney and Tower Hamlets and provide homes for children connected to the City of London.
Do I need a spare bedroom to foster?
In most cases a spare bedroom is required so the child placed with you has their own 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. Some carers who 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 support are provided to help you develop the skills needed for fostering.