Hammersmith & Fulham Needs Foster Carers
To become a foster carer
Across the London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham, some children need safe and stable homes when they are unable to live with their birth families. Foster carers provide care, encouragement and stability during what can be a very uncertain time in a child’s life.
Like many areas across London, there is a continuing need for more foster carers. When children can remain close to their local area, they are more likely to stay connected to their schools, friendships and support networks.
Greater London Fostering works with foster carers across London, including people living in Hammersmith, Fulham and the surrounding areas, 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 read more about becoming a foster carer.
Fostering in Hammersmith & Fulham
The borough of Hammersmith & Fulham sits in West London, and includes communities such as Hammersmith, Fulham, Shepherd’s Bush, White City and Sands End. Families across these areas 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, friends and community activities. Foster carers living in Hammersmith & Fulham can help provide stability and reassurance during a difficult period in a child’s life.
You can read more about the role foster carers play on our fostering a child page.
The Hammersmith & Fulham Community
Hammersmith & Fulham is known for its strong neighbourhood communities and its location along the River Thames. The borough includes well-known places such as Hammersmith Bridge, Fulham Palace Gardens and Bishops Park, which are popular spaces for families.
The area also benefits from excellent transport links including Hammersmith Underground station, Fulham Broadway, Shepherd’s Bush and the Overground network, providing access across London.
For children entering foster care, remaining close to familiar schools, parks and community activities can make a significant difference to their sense of stability.
Could You Become a Foster Carer in Hammersmith & Fulham?
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, 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.
This means some households who previously thought fostering was not possible may still be able to help.
You can learn more about eligibility on our foster carer requirements page.
We asked our carer Jacqui, what's the best thing about fostering?
Everyday is different, I'm never bored, that's probably the best thing. It's not like raising your own children, you have to face different challenges everyday.
You probably have a lot of questions about fostering.
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 preparation course
completing a fostering application
a full 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.
Areas in Hammersmith & Fulham That Need Foster Carers
We are recruiting foster carers across the borough including:
Hammersmith
Fulham
Shepherd’s Bush
White City
Sands End
Having foster carers across the borough helps children remain closer to their schools, friendships and local support networks.
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:
Even a short conversation can help you understand whether fostering might be right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I foster if I live in Hammersmith or Fulham?
Yes. Many foster carers live in Hammersmith, Fulham and other parts of West London and provide homes for children who need care.
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 are able to care for babies may not always need a separate bedroom because babies can sleep in a cot in the foster carer’s room.
Can I foster a baby without a spare bedroom?
Yes. Some carers who look after babies may not need a separate bedroom because the baby can sleep in a cot in the foster carer’s bedroom.
How much do foster carers receive?
Greater London Fostering currently pays £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.