Fostering In Islington
New foster carers needed
Across the London Borough of Islington, there are children and young people who cannot currently live with their birth families and need safe and supportive homes. Foster carers provide stability, encouragement and care while plans are made for a child’s future.
When children can remain close to their schools, friends and local communities, it can make a significant difference to their wellbeing. That is why having foster carers living in Islington and surrounding areas is so important.
Greater London Fostering supports foster carers across London, including families living in Islington, helping to provide safe and nurturing homes for children who need care.
If you are exploring fostering for the first time, you may find it helpful to learn more about becoming a foster carer.
Fostering in Islington
The London Borough of Islington sits in inner North London and includes communities such as Holloway, Highbury, Canonbury, Angel and Archway. 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 Islington can help provide stability and reassurance during difficult periods in a child’s life.
You can learn more about fostering and what the role involves on our fostering a child page.
“We live in North London and wanted to support children who needed stability and encouragement. Fostering with GLF has been incredibly rewarding, and the support we receive means we always feel confident and supported.”
About the Islington Community
Islington is one of London’s most vibrant boroughs, known for its strong neighbourhood communities and lively local culture. The area includes well-known locations such as Upper Street, Highbury Fields and Emirates Stadium.
Islington also benefits from excellent transport links including the Victoria Line, Northern Line and London Overground, making travel across London easy.
For children entering foster care, remaining close to familiar surroundings such as their schools, parks and neighbourhoods can help them feel more secure.
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 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.
You can learn more about eligibility on our foster carer requirements page.
How to Become a Foster Carer
The process of becoming a foster carer is designed to help you understand the role and prepare for fostering.
Steps typically include:
speaking with a member of our recruitment team
an introductory visit to learn more about fostering
attending Skills to Foster training
completing a fostering application
a fostering assessment with a social worker
approval through an independent fostering panel
You can learn more on our fostering guide.
Financial Support for Foster Carers
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.
Take the First Step
If you are interested in fostering, the first step is simply speaking with our team.
You can:
Can I foster if I live in Islington?
Yes. Many foster carers live in Islington and surrounding areas and provide homes for children from across London. If you live in Islington or nearby North London boroughs, you may be able to foster with Greater London Fostering.
Do I need a spare bedroom to become a foster carer?
In most cases foster carers need a spare bedroom so the child placed with them has their own private space.
However, some carers who look after babies only may not need a separate bedroom because the baby can sleep in a cot in the foster carer’s bedroom.
Can I foster a baby in Islington without a spare bedroom?
Yes. Greater London Fostering is actively recruiting carers who can provide care for babies only, and in these situations a separate bedroom may not always be required.
This can make fostering possible for households that may not have previously considered it.
How much do foster carers receive?
Greater London Fostering currently pays:
£479.50 per week for children aged 10 and under
£507.50 per week for children aged 11 and over
This weekly payment includes both the costs involved in caring for a child and a reward element recognising the commitment foster carers make.
Do I need experience working with children to foster?
No. Many foster carers have never worked professionally with children before.
Training, guidance and ongoing support are provided to help you develop the skills and confidence needed to foster successfully.