Merton Needs
Foster Carers
Join London's Fostering agency
Why Merton Needs Foster Carers
Every child deserves to grow up feeling safe, supported, and connected to their community. Unfortunately, some children in the London Borough of Merton cannot remain with their birth families due to difficult or unsafe circumstances. When this happens, foster carers provide the safe and stable home that children need while longer-term plans are made.
Across the borough there is a real and ongoing need for foster carers who can support children locally. Recent figures show that around 123 children were in care in Merton as of 2023, with the local authority responsible for ensuring they have safe and appropriate homes.
However, the demand for placements often goes beyond the number of available local foster families. In the last year alone, Greater London Fostering was asked to help find homes for 408 children from Merton, including 11 babies. This highlights the continuing need for more people who are willing to consider fostering.
Local foster carers make a significant difference. When children can stay close to their schools, friends, and familiar surroundings, it helps them maintain stability during a challenging time in their lives. Being able to remain within their own community can support their education, emotional wellbeing, and relationships with family members.
Foster Carers Are Needed Across Merton
There is a growing need for foster carers across many communities in the London Borough of Merton. Children who need foster care often benefit from staying close to their schools, friends and familiar surroundings.
If you live in one of these areas, you may be able to make a real difference by fostering locally.
Each of these communities is part of the London Borough of Merton and plays an important role in supporting children who need safe and stable homes.
Having foster carers living locally means children are more likely to:
remain at their existing school
maintain friendships
stay connected to their community
keep contact with family members where appropriate
Local foster homes help children experience greater stability during a difficult time in their lives.
About the Merton Community
The London Borough of Merton has a strong community identity and offers a wide range of green spaces, local schools, and cultural attractions.
One of the borough’s best-known areas is Wimbledon, famous for the annual tennis championships and the beautiful open space of Wimbledon Common. Nearby Raynes Park and West Wimbledon provide quieter residential neighbourhoods with strong local schools and community networks.
Further south, Morden is home to the historic Morden Hall Park, a National Trust park with riverside walks along the River Wandle. Meanwhile, Mitcham has a long history and includes large green spaces such as Mitcham Common.
Across the borough there are strong transport links, including the Northern Line at Morden, rail connections through Wimbledon and Raynes Park, and frequent bus routes linking neighbourhoods together. This makes it easier for children and young people to travel to school, attend activities, and maintain relationships with family members.
For children who are in foster care, staying within familiar communities like these can provide reassurance and continuity at a time when many other things may feel uncertain.
We asked our carer Pauline why the fostered with GLF?
“We chose to foster with Greater London Fostering because we wanted to help children locally and feel part of a supportive team. From the beginning we felt listened to and supported, which made the decision much easier.”
You probably have a lot of questions about fostering.
Could You Become a Foster Carer?
Many people who become foster carers have never previously considered it. Foster carers come from a wide range of backgrounds, professions, and life experiences.
You may be able to foster if you:
have a stable home environment
are patient and understanding
want to make a difference to a child’s life
In most situations, foster carers will need a spare bedroom so that the child has their own space.
However, Greater London Fostering is actively recruiting baby-only foster carers. In these cases, a spare bedroom may not always be required because babies can sleep safely in a cot in the foster carer’s bedroom.
If you are unsure whether fostering might be right for you, it can be helpful to read more about the Foster Carer Requirements and speak to someone from our team about your circumstances.
Financial Support
Foster carers receive financial support to help cover the costs of caring for a child and to recognise the important role they play.
At Greater London Fostering the weekly fostering payments are:
£479.50 per week for children aged 10 and under
£507.50 per week for children aged 11 and over
These payments include both:
the cost of caring for the child
a professional reward element for the foster carer
You can learn more about fostering allowances and support on our Foster Care Payments page.
How to Become a Foster Carer
Becoming a foster carer involves several steps designed to ensure that carers are well prepared and supported.
The process usually includes:
An initial conversation with our recruitment team
A home visit to talk about fostering in more detail
Completing Skills to Foster training
Submitting an application
An assessment with a social worker
Approval by an independent fostering panel
Throughout the process, our team will guide you and answer any questions you may have.
Take the First Step
Fostering is a meaningful way to make a difference in a child’s life while supporting families within your own community.
By becoming a foster carer in Merton, you could help a child stay close to their school, friends, and familiar surroundings during a difficult time.
If you would like to learn more, you can:
A friendly member of our team will be happy to talk through the process and answer any questions you may have.
FAQs
Can I foster if I live in Merton?
Yes. If you live in the London Borough of Merton or nearby areas, you can apply to become a foster carer with Greater London Fostering.
Do I need a spare bedroom to foster?
In most cases, foster carers need a spare bedroom for the child they care for.
Can I foster a baby without a spare room?
Yes. Greater London Fostering is actively recruiting baby-only foster carers, and babies can sleep in a cot in the carer’s bedroom.
How much do foster carers get paid?
Foster carers receive weekly payments of £479.50 for children aged 10 and under and £507.50 for children aged 11 and over, which include both the cost of care and a reward element.
Do I need experience with children to foster?
No. Many foster carers do not have professional childcare experience. Life experience, patience and the willingness to learn are often more important.