Lewisham needs you
To become a foster carer
Across the London Borough of Lewisham, 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 communities, it can make a huge difference to their wellbeing. That is why having foster carers living in Lewisham and the surrounding areas is so important.
Greater London Fostering supports foster carers across London, including families living in Lewisham, 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 Lewisham
The London Borough of Lewisham includes communities such as Catford, Deptford, New Cross, Forest Hill and Brockley. 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 neighbourhoods. Foster carers living in Lewisham 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.
About the Lewisham Community
Lewisham is a vibrant borough in South East London, known for its strong communities and diverse neighbourhoods. The area includes well-known locations such as Blackheath, Brockley Market, Deptford High Street and Ladywell Fields.
The borough benefits from excellent transport links including Southeastern rail services, the Docklands Light Railway and London Overground, making travel across London straightforward.
For children entering foster care, remaining close to familiar places such as their schools, parks and neighbourhoods can help them feel more secure during a difficult time.
We asked our carer Tilly why do you foster?
“We live in South East London and wanted to do something meaningful for children in our community. Fostering has been incredibly rewarding, and the support from GLF means we always feel supported and never on our own.”
You probably have a lot of questions about fostering.
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
Becoming a foster carer involves a structured process designed to help you understand the role and prepare for fostering.
The process typically includes:
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 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I foster if I live in Lewisham?
Yes. Many foster carers live in Lewisham and surrounding areas such as Catford, Brockley, Forest Hill and Deptford 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 look after babies only may not always need a separate bedroom because babies can sleep in a cot in the foster carer’s bedroom.
Can I foster a baby without a spare bedroom?
Yes. Greater London Fostering is actively recruiting carers who can care for babies only, and in these situations a separate bedroom may not always be required.
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
Do I need experience working with children to foster?
No. Many foster carers come from a wide range of backgrounds. Training, guidance and ongoing support are provided.