Greenwich
needs you
To become a foster carer
Greenwich Needs Foster Carers
Across the Royal Borough of Greenwich, there are children and young people who cannot currently live with their birth families and need safe and stable homes. Foster carers provide the care, patience and encouragement that children need during what can be a very uncertain period in their lives.
When children can remain close to their schools, friends and communities, it often helps them feel more secure while they are in foster care. That is why having foster carers living in Greenwich and the surrounding areas is so important.
Greater London Fostering works with carers across London, including families living in Greenwich, helping to provide safe and nurturing homes for children who need care.
If you are beginning to explore fostering, you can learn more about becoming a foster carer.
Fostering in Greenwich
The Royal Borough of Greenwich includes communities such as Woolwich, Eltham, Charlton, Thamesmead, Blackheath and Plumstead. Families across the borough sometimes experience circumstances that mean 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 local support networks. Foster carers living in Greenwich can help provide stability and reassurance during difficult times in a child’s life.
You can learn more about the role foster carers play on our fostering a child page.
About the Greenwich Community
Greenwich is one of South East London’s most historic boroughs and is well known for landmarks such as Greenwich Park, the Royal Observatory and the River Thames waterfront. The borough combines busy town centres like Woolwich and Eltham with quieter residential neighbourhoods and green spaces.
Excellent transport links including the DLR, Elizabeth Line, Southeastern rail services and Thames Clipper river boats make Greenwich well connected to the rest of London.
For children entering foster care, remaining close to their familiar surroundings, schools and community activities can make a real difference to their sense of stability and wellbeing.
Could You Become a Foster Carer?
Foster carers come from many different backgrounds and professions. Some people have experience working with children, while others bring valuable life experience, patience and empathy.
What matters most is the ability to provide a safe, stable and supportive home.
Many foster carers have a spare bedroom and time to support a child, allowing 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 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 thought fostering was not possible may still be able to help.
You can learn more about eligibility on our foster carer requirements page.
We asked our carers, why they joined GLF?
“We live in South East London and wanted to do something that genuinely helped children locally. Fostering with GLF has been incredibly rewarding, and the support from the team means we always feel confident in what we’re doing.”
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.
For many people, the first step is simply speaking with our team to ask questions and learn more about fostering.
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 preparation course
completing a fostering application
a full fostering assessment with a social worker
approval through an independent fostering panel
You can learn more about the process on our fostering guide.
You probably have a lot of questions about fostering.
Our experience helps us respond honestly to your queries. We’re thrilled to chat informally about fostering and determine your suitability, as well as inform you about the realities of it all. Let’s schedule a 15-minute call that will save you countless hours of Googling answers. We simply adore conversing with 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 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 learn more about payments on our foster care payments page.
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:
Even a short conversation can help you understand whether fostering might be right for you.
Areas in Greenwich That Need Foster Carers
Foster carers are needed across the borough, including:
Woolwich
Eltham
Charlton
Thamesmead
Plumstead
Blackheath
Having carers across these communities helps children remain closer to their schools and local support networks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I foster if I live in Greenwich?
Yes. Many foster carers live in Greenwich and surrounding areas and provide homes for children from across London.
Do I need a spare bedroom to foster?
In most situations foster carers need a spare bedroom so the child placed with them has their own private space.
However carers who are able to care for babies may not need a separate bedroom because babies can sleep in a cot in the foster carer’s room.
Can I foster a baby without a spare bedroom?
Yes. Some carers who look after babies may not need a separate bedroom because the baby can sleep in a cot in the foster carer’s bedroom.
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.