More Information About Fostering
“We didn’t have all the answers at the start. We just wanted to understand whether we could help — and that first conversation made everything feel much clearer.”
If you’re exploring fostering, it’s completely normal to have questions. You might be wondering what fostering really involves, whether it would fit around your life, or if you have the right experience.
This page is here to give you a clear, honest overview — without pressure or expectation.
Download Our Guide To Fostering
We've create a free PDF guide to fostering, to help you understand a bit more about foster care, and the process of applying.
Book A Call Back From Our Team
The easiest thing to do is have a quick phone call so we can answer any questions you have. Don't worry, it's informal and there's no commitment
"I don't know why i didn't start fostering sooner, it has honestly changed my life.
What Is Fostering?
Fostering is about providing a safe, stable home for a child who is unable to live with their birth family.
This may be for a short period of time or longer-term, depending on the child’s situation. Foster carers play an important role in helping children feel secure, supported, and cared for during a difficult time in their lives.
You don’t need to be perfect — but you do need to be patient, understanding, and willing to provide a consistent home environment.
If you’d like to understand the full process, you can read more about
👉 https://greaterlondonfostering.org/becoming-a-foster-carer/
Why Children Need Foster Care
Children come into care for many different reasons. Sometimes families are going through difficult circumstances, and it’s not safe or possible for a child to remain at home.
In these situations, foster carers provide:
- stability
- safety
- routine
- emotional support
One of the most important things foster carers offer is a sense of normality — helping children continue with school, friendships, and everyday life as much as possible.
Wherever possible, children are placed with carers in their local area so they can stay connected to their community.
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.
Types of Fostering
There are different types of fostering, and during the assessment process, you’ll explore what best fits your circumstances.
These can include:
- Short-term fostering – caring for a child while longer-term plans are made
- Long-term fostering – providing a stable home over a longer period
- Emergency fostering – offering immediate care in urgent situations
- Parent and child placements – supporting a parent and their baby together
Baby Fostering
Greater London Fostering is actively recruiting carers who are interested in caring for babies.
In these cases:
- a spare bedroom is not always required
- babies can sleep in a cot in your bedroom
This type of fostering can play a vital role in giving babies a safe and nurturing start.
What Support Do Foster Carers Receive?
Foster carers are not expected to do this on their own.
You will receive support throughout your fostering journey, including:
- a dedicated supervising social worker
- 24/7 support and guidance
- training through Skills to Foster
- ongoing development opportunities
- support from a wider fostering community
Support continues after you are approved, helping you feel confident and supported in your role.
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/
Who Can Become a Foster Carer?
Foster carers come from a wide range of backgrounds.
You can be:
- single or in a relationship
- working or not working
- renting or owning your home
What matters most is your ability to provide a stable, caring environment.
In most cases, you will need a spare bedroom. However, this is not always required for baby fostering.
You can read more here:
👉 https://greaterlondonfostering.org/foster-carer-requirements/
The Process of Becoming a Foster Carer
The process is designed to make sure fostering is right for you, and that you feel prepared and supported.
It usually takes around 6 months and includes:
- an initial conversation with our team
- a home visit
- Skills to Foster training
- a full assessment
- approval at fostering panel
Throughout the process, you’ll have guidance and support every step of the way.
Fostering in Your Local Area
Fostering locally can make a real difference to children.
When children are placed with carers in their area, they are more likely to:
- stay in the same school
- maintain friendships
- continue activities they enjoy
- feel a sense of familiarity
Greater London Fostering supports carers across London, helping children stay connected to their communities wherever possible.
Take the First Step
If you’re thinking about fostering, you don’t need to make any big decisions right now.
A simple conversation can help you understand whether it’s right for you.
👉 https://greaterlondonfostering.org/contact-us/
👉 https://greaterlondonfostering.org/lp/arrange-a-call-back/
FAQs
What is fostering in simple terms?
Fostering is when you care for a child in your home when they are unable to live with their birth family.
How long does it take to become a foster carer?
The process usually takes around 6 months, including training, assessment, and approval.
Do I need a spare bedroom to foster?
In most cases yes, although for baby fostering a spare bedroom is not always required.
Do foster carers get paid?
Yes. Foster carers receive weekly payments which include the cost of care and a reward element.
Do I need experience with children?
No. Many foster carers bring life experience, and full training and support are provided.