Woolwich Needs New Foster Carers
Your community needs you to foster!
Foster Carers Needed in Woolwich
Children living in Woolwich and across the Royal Borough of Greenwich sometimes need safe and stable homes when they cannot live with their birth families. Foster carers provide the care, encouragement and stability that children need during what can be a very uncertain time in their lives.
Across South East London there is an ongoing need for more foster carers. When carers are available locally, children are more likely to remain close to their schools, friendships and familiar surroundings.
Greater London Fostering supports foster carers across London, including families living in Woolwich, helping to provide safe and nurturing homes for children who need care.
If you are beginning to explore fostering, you may find it helpful to read more about becoming a foster carer
Fostering in Woolwich
Woolwich is one of the main town centres within the Royal Borough of Greenwich, located along the River Thames and close to communities such as Plumstead, Charlton and Abbey Wood. Families across this part of South East London 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 community networks. Foster carers living in Woolwich can help provide stability and reassurance during difficult periods in a child’s life.
You can learn more about the role foster carers play on our fostering a child page.
The Woolwich Community
Woolwich has undergone significant regeneration in recent years and is now a vibrant part of South East London. The area sits alongside the River Thames and is home to Woolwich Arsenal, Woolwich Market and the Royal Arsenal Riverside development.
The area benefits from excellent transport links including Woolwich Arsenal station (DLR and rail) and the Elizabeth Line at Woolwich, providing fast connections across London.
For children entering foster care, remaining close to their local schools, parks and communities can help provide a sense of familiarity and stability.
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 environment.
Many foster carers have a spare bedroom and availability to support a child, allowing them to care for children who need temporary or longer-term homes.
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 might not be possible may still be able to help.
You can learn more about eligibility on our foster carer requirements 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.
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 read more about the process on our fostering 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 payments on our foster care payments page.
“We live in South East London and wanted to support children who needed stability in our community. Fostering with GLF has been incredibly rewarding, and the support from the team means we always feel supported.”
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.
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.
Nearby Areas That Also Need Foster Carers
If you live near Woolwich, foster carers are also needed in nearby communities including:
Plumstead
Charlton
Abbey Wood
Shooters Hill
Having foster carers across these communities helps children remain closer to their schools and support networks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I foster if I live in Woolwich?
Yes. Many foster carers live in Woolwich 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.