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I want to Foster! How you can become a gLF foster carer

fostering siblings

We are really sorry that children can’t live with their birth families, and need foster carers – but given they do, we need to find the best homes for them. Can you help?

I Want To Foster:
A Journey into the World of Fostering with
Greater London Fostering

Have you ever thought about opening your home and heart to a child in need? Fostering is an incredible way to make a difference in a child's life, and with Greater London Fostering, an Outstanding Fostering Agency, you can rest assured that you'll receive the support and guidance you need throughout the entire process.

The Path to Becoming a Foster Carer

If you've ever found yourself thinking, "I want to foster", you may be wondering what the process entails and if you meet the qualifications. First and foremost, there is no age limit to become a foster carer, so don't let that deter you from pursuing this rewarding path. Anyone can foster, as long as you have the desire, compassion, and the ability to provide a safe and loving environment for a child in need.

To get started, you'll need to learn about the different types of fostering available, such as short-term, long-term, emergency, and respite care. Each type has its unique set of requirements and responsibilities, so it's essential to choose the one that best aligns with your lifestyle and capabilities.

Once you've decided on the type of fostering you're interested in, it's time to contact Greater London Fostering to discuss your interest and gather more information. You'll be guided through the application process, which includes background checks, references, and an assessment called a Form F. This comprehensive evaluation ensures that you're a suitable candidate for fostering and helps match you with a child who will benefit from your care.

During the application process, you'll also undergo training to prepare you for the challenges and rewards of fostering. This training is essential, regardless of whether or not you've worked with children before. It covers a wide range of topics, including child development, safeguarding, and communication skills.

The Benefits of Fostering with Greater London Fostering

As a foster carer with GreaterLondon Fostering, you'll be supported every step of the way, from the initial inquiry through to the placement of children in your care. Our experienced team is dedicated to providing ongoing assistance, including regular visits, 24/7 support, training, and access to local support groups. We also have a Statement of Purpose that outlines the goals and objectives of our fostering services, ensuring you have a clear understanding of our mission and values.

One of the many benefits of fostering with Greater London Fostering is the financial support you'll receive. Foster carers receive an allowance of £475 for each child they foster, which helps cover the costs of providing a safe and nurturing home. This allowance is separate from any income you may earn as a foster carer, ensuring that you're fairly compensated for your time and effort.

In addition to the financial benefits, fostering offers the opportunity to make a real difference in a child's life. The positive impact of fostering can be seen in the countless foster carer stories shared by those who have made the life-changing decision to provide a loving home to children in need. These stories are a testament to the power of fostering and the incredible transformations that can occur when a child is given the chance to thrive in a supportive environment.

Transferring to Greater London Fostering

If you're already a foster carer with another agency and looking to transfer, we make the process seamless and stress-free. Our transfer process ensures that you receive the support and guidance you need to continue providing exceptional care to the children in your charge.

Ready to Begin Your Fostering Journey?

If you're ready to take the first step towards becoming a foster carer, download our free Fostering Guide to learn more about the process and the support you'll receive from Greater London Fostering. You can also explore the areas we cover to see if our fostering services are available in your location.

Remember, if you have any questions or concerns, our team is always here to help. Don't hesitate to reach out and ask any questions you may have about fostering, the application process, or any other aspect of this life-changing journey. Together, we can make a positive difference in the lives of children who need our love and support.

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.

The Impact of Fostering: Stories of Success and Transformation

The decision to become a foster carer is more than just opening your home to a child in need; it's about creating a lasting impact on their lives. As you embark on your fostering journey with Greater London Fostering, you'll soon discover the incredible transformations that can take place when a child is given the love, care, and support they deserve. In this section, we'll share some inspiring foster carer stories that highlight the profound difference fostering can make.

A New Beginning: Sarah's Story

Sarah, a single mother of two, decided she wanted to provide a loving home to children in need. After completing the fostering application process, she was matched with a young girl named Emma, who had been through multiple foster placements.

Emma had experienced significant trauma in her life, but Sarah was determined to help her heal. Through patience, understanding, and the guidance of Greater London Fostering's support team, Sarah and Emma formed a strong bond. Emma's emotional wellbeing improved significantly, and she began to excel in school. Sarah's commitment to fostering not only provided Emma with a stable home but also gave her the confidence and support she needed to thrive.

Building Bridges: Michael and Jane's Story

Michael and Jane, a couple with experience in working with children, decided to become foster carers after their own children had grown up and left home. They were matched with a sibling group of three children who had been separated in previous foster placements.

With the support of Greater London Fostering, Michael and Jane were able to reunite the siblings and provide them with a loving, stable home. The children began to heal from their past traumas and developed a strong bond with their foster parents. The siblings' progress in school improved, and they started to participate in extracurricular activities, making friends and building a sense of belonging in their community.

Strength in Diversity: Amina's Story

Amina, a foster carer with Greater London Fostering, has made it her mission to help refugee children find safety and stability in their lives. Over the years, Amina has opened her home to numerous refugee children, providing them with the support they need to navigate their new lives in the UK.

Amina's dedication to fostering has had a lasting impact on the lives of these children, giving them the chance to learn English, attend school, and develop a sense of belonging in their new community. Her commitment to fostering demonstrates the power of diversity and the incredible resilience these children possess.

Final Thoughts

These inspiring stories are just a few examples of the transformative power of fostering. As a foster carer with Greater London Fostering, you'll have the unique opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of children who need your love, support, and guidance.

If you're ready to begin your fostering journey, reach out to our team for more information on how you can become a foster carer and positively impact the lives of children in need. Remember, when you say "I want to foster," you're not just opening your home; you're opening your heart to a world of possibilities for a child who needs you.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions about Fostering

1. Who can become a foster carer?

Anyone can become a foster carer, as long as they have the desire, compassion, and the ability to provide a safe and loving environment for a child in need. There is no age limit to be a foster carer. It's not necessary to have previous experience working with children, but it's essential to have a genuine interest in their wellbeing and development.

2. How much do foster carers get paid?

Foster carers with Greater London Fostering receive an allowance of £475 for each child they foster. This allowance helps cover the costs of providing a safe and nurturing home and is separate from any income you may earn as a foster carer. We also contribute to all our carers council tax each month they foster.

3. What are the different types of fostering?

There are several types of fostering available, including short-term, long-term, emergency, and respite care. Each type has its unique set of requirements and responsibilities, so it's essential to choose the one that best aligns with your lifestyle and capabilities.

4. What training is required to become a foster carer?

All prospective foster carers undergo training to prepare them for the challenges and rewards of fostering. This training covers a wide range of topics, including child development, safeguarding, and communication skills. The training is essential, regardless of whether or not you've worked with children before.

5. What happens if I'm turned down as a foster carer?

If you are turned down as a foster carer, it's essential to understand the reasons behind the decision. The feedback provided can help you address any issues or concerns and potentially reapply in the future. Remember, the primary goal is to ensure the best interests and safety of the children in need.

6. What support is available for foster carers with Greater London Fostering?

Greater London Fostering provides ongoing support for their foster carers, including regular visits, 24/7 support, training, and access to local support groups. They are an Outstanding Fostering Agency dedicated to helping foster carers succeed in providing exceptional care to children in need.