Richmond Needs
Foster Carers
Join London's Fostering Agency
Why Richmond Needs Foster Carers
Across Richmond upon Thames, there are children who cannot safely remain with their birth families, often through no fault of their own. During these times, foster carers provide a safe, stable and caring home while longer-term plans are made.
Having foster carers within Richmond is especially important. When children can stay close to where they live, they are more likely to remain in the same school, keep friendships, and stay connected to familiar surroundings. This continuity can make a significant difference during what is often a very uncertain time.
There is a growing need for foster carers across the borough, including carers who can support younger children, siblings, and babies.
Fostering in Richmond
Fostering in Richmond allows children to stay connected to their community. Whether that’s continuing at their school, seeing friends, or accessing local support networks, staying local helps reduce disruption.
Richmond is made up of a wide range of neighbourhoods, from Barnes and Kew to Twickenham, Teddington and Hampton. Each area has its own character, schools and community networks, all of which play an important role in a child’s life.
If you are considering fostering, you can learn more about the process of
👉 https://greaterlondonfostering.org/becoming-a-foster-carer/
About the Richmond Community
Richmond upon Thames is known for its green spaces, riverside views and strong community feel. Richmond Park, Bushy Park and the River Thames provide open spaces that many families enjoy.
The borough includes vibrant high streets such as Richmond, Twickenham and Teddington, alongside quieter residential areas like Petersham and Ham. Excellent transport links, including rail and underground connections, make it easy to stay connected across London.
For children, growing up in Richmond means access to good schools, outdoor spaces and community activities — all of which foster carers help maintain during difficult periods.
We asked our carer Jacqui why she fosters?
“We wanted to give something back locally, and fostering allowed us to support children right here in our community.”
Why Richmond Needs Foster Carers
Across Richmond upon Thames, there are children who cannot safely remain with their birth families, often through no fault of their own. During these times, foster carers provide a safe, stable and caring home while longer-term plans are made.
Having foster carers within Richmond is especially important. When children can stay close to where they live, they are more likely to remain in the same school, keep friendships, and stay connected to familiar surroundings. This continuity can make a significant difference during what is often a very uncertain time.
There is a growing need for foster carers across the borough, including carers who can support younger children, siblings, and babies.
Fostering in Richmond
Fostering in Richmond allows children to stay connected to their community. Whether that’s continuing at their school, seeing friends, or accessing local support networks, staying local helps reduce disruption.
Richmond is made up of a wide range of neighbourhoods, from Barnes and Kew to Twickenham, Teddington and Hampton. Each area has its own character, schools and community networks, all of which play an important role in a child’s life.
If you are considering fostering, you can learn more about the process of
👉 https://greaterlondonfostering.org/becoming-a-foster-carer/
About the Richmond Community
Richmond upon Thames is known for its green spaces, riverside views and strong community feel. Richmond Park, Bushy Park and the River Thames provide open spaces that many families enjoy.
The borough includes vibrant high streets such as Richmond, Twickenham and Teddington, alongside quieter residential areas like Petersham and Ham. Excellent transport links, including rail and underground connections, make it easy to stay connected across London.
For children, growing up in Richmond means access to good schools, outdoor spaces and community activities — all of which foster carers help maintain during difficult periods.
You probably have a lot of questions about fostering.
What Kind of Foster Carers Are We Looking For?
Foster carers come from all walks of life. What matters most is your ability to provide a safe, stable and caring home.
You might already have experience with children, or you may bring valuable life experience, patience and resilience from other areas of your life.
We are particularly looking for people who can:
offer consistency and routine
support children through change
work alongside professionals as part of a team
provide a calm and nurturing home
You will usually need a spare bedroom. However:
Greater London Fostering is actively recruiting baby-only foster carers.
In these cases, a spare bedroom may not always be required, as babies can sleep in a cot in your bedroom.
You can also read more about requirements here:
👉 https://greaterlondonfostering.org/foster-carer-requirements/
Financial Support For Foster Carers
People don’t become foster carers because of the money. They do it to make a difference in a child’s life.
But it’s equally true that fostering needs to be financially manageable, so that carers can focus fully on providing stability and care.
Foster carers receive a weekly allowance to support them in their role.
At Greater London Fostering, this is currently:
£479.50 per week for children aged 10 and under
£507.50 per week for children aged 11 and over
This payment is made up of two parts. The first is to cover the day-to-day costs of caring for a child, such as food, clothing, activities, and household expenses. The second is a professional reward, recognising the time, commitment, and responsibility involved in fostering.
Foster carers are not expected to manage financially on their own. Alongside the weekly allowance, you will also receive guidance, training, and ongoing support to help you feel confident in your role.
For many people, fostering becomes both a meaningful way to support children and a sustainable role within their household.
If you would like to explore this in more detail, you can read more here:
👉 https://greaterlondonfostering.org/foster-care-money/
How to Become a Foster Carer
Becoming a foster carer is a structured and supportive process:
Initial conversation with our recruitment team
Home visit
Skills to Foster training
Application and assessment
Independent fostering panel
Approval
We guide you through every stage so you feel confident and supported.
Take the First Step
If you are thinking about fostering, the first step is simply having a conversation.
There is no pressure — just the opportunity to find out more.
👉 https://greaterlondonfostering.org/contact-us/
👉 https://greaterlondonfostering.org/lp/arrange-a-call-back/
FAQs
Can I foster if I live in Richmond?
Yes, we welcome enquiries from people across Richmond and surrounding areas.
Do I need a spare bedroom to foster?
In most cases yes, although baby-only fostering may not require one.
Can I foster a baby without a spare room?
Yes, babies can often sleep in a cot in your bedroom.
How much do foster carers get paid?
Foster carers receive weekly payments between £479.50 and £507.50 depending on the child’s age.
Do I need experience with children?
Not necessarily. Life experience, patience and the ability to provide a stable home are most important.