We need New Foster carers in Barnes
Cray
Are you up for the challenge?
Supporting Children in the Barnes Cray Community
Across Barnes Cray and the wider Bexley area, children and young people sometimes need safe and stable homes when they cannot live with their birth families. Foster carers provide the stability, encouragement and care that children need during what can be a very uncertain period in their lives.
Right now there is a shortage of foster carers in and around Barnes Cray. This means some children have to move further away from their communities to find a suitable foster home. When foster carers are available locally, children are more likely to remain close to their schools, friendships and familiar surroundings.
Greater London Fostering works with carers across London to provide safe and nurturing homes for children who need support.
If you are exploring fostering for the first time, you may find it helpful to read more about becoming a foster carer.
Fostering in Barnes Cray
Barnes Cray sits within the London Borough of Bexley, close to areas such as Crayford, Slade Green and Erith. Communities across this part of South East London sometimes need foster carers who can provide homes for children when family circumstances change.
When children are able to stay close to their local area, it can help them maintain important connections with their schools, friends and support networks. Foster carers living in Barnes Cray can help make this possible.
You can also learn more about fostering across the borough on our page about fostering in Bexley.
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 time to support a child, which allows them to provide care for children who need a temporary or longer-term home.
However, Greater London Fostering is also actively recruiting carers who are able to care for babies only. In these situations, a separate 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 thought fostering was not possible may still be able to provide care.
You can learn more about eligibility on our foster carer requirements page.
“Fostering has been one of the most rewarding things we’ve done as a family. The support from GLF has made a huge difference, and when I speak to carers from other agencies they’re often surprised by how well supported we are.”
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 course introducing fostering
completing a fostering application
a full fostering assessment with a social worker
approval through an independent fostering panel
You can read a full explanation of the process on our becoming a foster carer 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 learn more about fostering allowances on our foster care payments page.
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 contact our team or arrange a call back at a time that suits you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I foster if I live in Barnes Cray?
Yes. Many foster carers live in Barnes Cray and the 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, Greater London Fostering is currently recruiting carers who can care for babies. Because babies sleep in a cot, they can sometimes share the foster carer’s bedroom.
Can I foster a baby without a spare bedroom?
Yes. In some cases carers who are able to care for babies may not need a separate spare room because the baby can sleep in a cot in the foster carer’s bedroom.
How much do foster carers receive?
Foster carers with Greater London Fostering currently receive £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 with children is required. Training and ongoing support are provided to help foster carers develop the skills needed.