Want to join London's 'outstanding' fostering agency?
At GLF we believe that almost anyone can be a foster carer!
It just takes the right training, support, time and space.
We have one mission, to improve the lives of children in care, and we need your help!
We provide you with the financial and emotional support you need in order to change a child’s life.
For more info, download our guide today, or call our recruitment team!
Frequently Asked Questions
Birth Children
Can you foster if you haven’t had your own birth children?
Absolutely! We understand that caring for a child involves skills and qualities, not just experience. Many successful foster carers have not had their own children. Furthermore, GLF offers a range of ongoing training to ensure you have the skills needed to provide a safe and nurturing home for a child.
Past Criminal Convictions
Can I foster if I have a criminal conviction?
At GLF we understand that everyone has a past. Whether you can foster will largely depend on the nature of the crime. Certain convictions, particularly crimes against a child, will prevent you from being able to foster. It’s important to note that we consider what you have learned from your past as well. We would need a full disclosure of all criminal convictions and cautions, both spent and unspent, as this is part of the assessment process. This information helps us ensure the safety and well-being of the children we place in foster care.
Working?
Can I work and foster at the same time?
Yes, you can work while being a foster carer!
Preference is given to jobs that are flexible or have the ability for you to work from home, especially in order to be there for the school run, to bring them to contact and to be there after school.
A strong support network is also important!
Pets
Can I foster if I have pets?
Yes! Having pets does not prevent you from becoming a foster carer.
In fact, pets can sometimes have a positive impact on children. However, all pets will be considered during the home safety inspection to ensure their temperament and behaviour are suitable and safe for children.
Assessments
How long does the fostering assessment take?
The assessment period typically takes about 4 months.
This includes: an initial telephone call, a home visit, a two-day preparatory training course, and a comprehensive assessment by a social worker.
Who needs fostering?
What kind of children need foster homes?
Children and teenagers of all ages, backgrounds and life experiences need fostering.
These can include those who’ve been abused, neglected, or come from troubled backgrounds, as well as children whose parents are unable to take care of them due to various reasons.
Some need a foster home for a short period whereas others may need longer-term care. It’s our aim at Greater London Fostering to find patient, dedicated, and supportive carers to provide a safe and nurturing environment for these children.
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
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.
