01
Your own social worker—not a call centre
Expect a call at least weekly and a visit at least monthly. If you need help at 2am, your own SSW is on the phone 24/7 and already knows you and the child.
Choose the right fostering agency
Fostering is personal. Our support is too.
When you have decided to foster, the agency beside you matters. At GLF, your social worker knows you, stays close and answers when you need them.
Weekly calls, monthly visits and direct support 24/7.
Weekly callsRegular contact with your own SSW
Monthly visitsFace-to-face support as a minimum
Your SSW, 24/7No anonymous out-of-hours service
Support that knows your name
You are part of our team—and we stand up for our team.
Your supervising social worker works alongside you, not at arm’s length. We listen, respond and advocate fiercely for you when it matters.
02
Backed when things are difficult
We support carers fully through allegations and advocate fiercely for them. Our therapeutic lead can also work directly with you when a child needs extra understanding.
03
A real team around you
Monthly support groups and weekly Zoom training connect you with other carers. You are included, listened to and treated as part of the professional team.
Learning and celebrating together
We share the hard parts—and mark the moments that matter.
Monthly support groups and weekly Zoom training give you space to learn, reflect and talk with people who understand the role. We celebrate achievements too, because progress—big or small—deserves to be noticed.
Financial support
Clear figures. No “up to”.
The figures shown are the weekly amount paid per child—not a range. Enhancements are paid where a child’s individual needs warrant additional support.
Payments are made while you are caring for a child. There is no retainer payment between periods of care.
Current weekly allowance
£479.50
per week
For children aged
10 and under
£507.50
per week
For children aged
11 and over
Enhancements may be added where the child’s needs warrant them.
Start with the basics
You may be more ready than you think.
Foster carers come from every kind of background. You can be single or partnered, rent or own your home, and you do not need previous childcare experience.
You are aged 21 or overThere is no upper age limit.
You have a stable homeYou can rent or own your property.
You have time and emotional spacePatience and consistency matter most.
You can work with a supportive teamWe prepare and guide you at every stage.
What about a spare room?
It is needed in most cases. If you are considering fostering a baby, a separate room may not always be required.
Your fostering journey
Start with a conversation. Take each next step together.
The full assessment usually takes several months. We explain what is happening, why it matters and what comes next.
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1
A relaxed first call
Tell us what has led you to fostering and ask anything on your mind. There is no pressure to continue.
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2
Getting to know each other
We visit you at home, explore your circumstances and make sure fostering feels right for your household.
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3
Assessment and preparation
Training and thoughtful conversations help you prepare. We gather everything for the fostering panel.
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4
Approved — and supported
We carefully consider the right match and stay alongside you before, during and after a child arrives.
We see foster carers as part of our team. That means listening, being available and advocating fiercely for you.
Listened to.
Backed.
Part of the team.
Common questions
It is normal to have a lot to ask.
These are some of the questions we hear most often. If yours is not here, talk to us — nothing is too small or too awkward.
Do I need experience with children?
No. Many foster carers start without professional childcare experience. We look for life experience, patience and a willingness to learn; training and support are provided.
Can I foster if I am single or LGBTQ+?
Yes. Your relationship status, gender or sexuality does not determine whether you can foster. What matters is your ability to offer a child safe, consistent care.
Can I foster if I rent my home?
Yes. You do not have to own your home. We will talk through your tenancy and make sure your living arrangements are stable and suitable.
Can I foster a baby without a spare room?
Sometimes. Babies can often sleep in a cot in the carer’s room, so a spare bedroom may not always be needed for baby fostering. We can advise on your circumstances.
Which areas do you cover?
We support foster carers across all London boroughs, as well as parts of Essex, Kent and Surrey.
Take the first step
Arrange a 15-minute call.
Leave your name and number and our fostering team will call you back. It is simply a chance to ask questions and see what feels right.
Not ready to talk?
That is completely fine.
Keep exploring in whichever way feels most comfortable.