Becoming a Foster Carer
“We didn’t know if we could do it at first, but with the right support, it became part of our lives — and we’ve never looked back.”
What is Foster Care?
Foster care provides a safe and stable home for children who are unable to live with their birth families, often for reasons outside of their control. This can be for a short period or, in some cases, longer-term.
Foster carers play an important role in helping children feel secure, supported and understood. A consistent home environment can make a real difference to a child’s wellbeing, especially during times of uncertainty.
Many children benefit from being cared for locally, where they can remain close to their school, friends and community.
“We weren’t sure if fostering was right for us at first, but the support we received made all the difference. It’s been one of the most meaningful things we’ve done as a family.
Could You Become a Foster Carer?
Many people are surprised to find that they could foster.
Foster carers come from a wide range of backgrounds. What matters most is your ability to provide a safe, caring and stable home for a child.
You do not need to have worked with children before. Many foster carers bring valuable life experience, patience and a willingness to learn.
In most cases, a spare bedroom is required. However, Greater London Fostering is actively recruiting foster carers for babies. In these situations, a spare bedroom may not always be needed, as babies can sleep in a cot in the carer’s bedroom.
You can read more about the criteria on our
<a href=”https://greaterlondonfostering.org/foster-carer-requirements/”>foster carer requirements page</a>.
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.
Could You Become a Foster Carer?
Many people are surprised to find that they could foster.
Foster carers come from a wide range of backgrounds. What matters most is your ability to provide a safe, caring and stable home for a child.
You do not need to have worked with children before. Many foster carers bring valuable life experience, patience and a willingness to learn.
In most cases, a spare bedroom is required. However, Greater London Fostering is actively recruiting foster carers for babies. In these situations, a spare bedroom may not always be needed, as babies can sleep in a cot in the carer’s bedroom.
You can read more about the criteria on our foster carer requirements page
Fostering in Your Local Community
Fostering locally helps children stay connected to the people and places that matter to them. Being able to remain close to their school, friends and familiar surroundings can help children feel more settled.
Greater London Fostering supports carers across all London boroughs, as well as parts of Essex, Kent and Surrey. Wherever possible, we aim to place children with carers who live nearby.
Why Choose Greater London Fostering?
Choosing the right fostering agency is an important decision. It’s about finding a team you feel comfortable with and supported by.
At Greater London Fostering, we take a personal approach. You will have a dedicated supervising social worker who gets to know you and your household, and who is there to support you throughout your fostering journey.
We take time to match children carefully, involve you in decisions, and ensure you feel confident before any placement is made.
Our focus is on building strong relationships so that foster carers feel supported, listened to and part of a team.
Support You Can Rely On
Fostering can be both rewarding and challenging, which is why consistent support is so important.
You will receive:
Support from a dedicated supervising social worker
Ongoing training and development
Access to advice and guidance when you need it
Support outside of normal working hours
We make sure that you are never expected to manage challenges on your own.
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/
Take the First Step
If you are thinking about fostering, the best place to start is a simple conversation.
We are happy to answer questions, talk through your situation and help you understand whether fostering could be right for you.
Contact us
or
Arrange a call back
There is no pressure — just an opportunity to find out more.
🟢 FAQs
Can I become a foster carer if I live in London?
Yes, we support foster carers across all London boroughs as well as parts of Essex, Kent and Surrey.
Do I need a spare bedroom to foster?
In most cases, yes. However, for baby fostering, a spare bedroom may not always be required.
Can I foster a baby without a spare room?
Yes, babies can often sleep in a cot in the carer’s bedroom.
How much do foster carers get paid?
£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 with children?
No, many foster carers have no previous experience. Training and support are provided.