Children and young people come into care for all sorts of reasons.
Welcome to fostering
What is fostering?
It can be due to a parent’s ill health, family problems, because a child has been neglected or abused or they may have arrived unaccompanied from overseas.
Fostering is welcoming these children into your home and family life. Fostering makes a hugely positive difference to children’s lives.
The benefits of fostering
Our foster carers tell us that fostering is hugely fulfilling and rewarding.
Fostering gives children a safe, secure place to stay, stability to help them flourish and the opportunity to experience family life. Fostering families make a difference. Sharing your heart and home can shape a child’s life and their future for the better. You can give a child a place to call home, feel safe and help them learn how to build trusting relationships.
Being a foster carer can be challenging but it is also hugely fulfilling, sharing the small moments that show the difference you have made to the lives of children and young people.
As a foster carer, you’ll be a vital part of a professional team, working together to give children the best possible chance in life. Your local council has experienced, dedicated specialist social workers who can support you with the day-to-day care of the children and young people who live with you.
As a foster carer you will be self-employed and will receive a dedicated tax-free allowance and additional benefits.
Types of fostering
Did you know there are many different ways you can foster? Some carers can offer a home for children in a range of different circumstances; some can offer a home for children only in specific circumstances. Whatever your circumstances, we want to hear from you.
Who needs foster care?
Children need foster care for lots of different reasons. Some children have been neglected or abused. Their parents may be ill, in prison or having relationship problems. Unaccompanied minors also need foster care while their immigration status is assessed.
Many children return to live with their birth families. But they need a loving and secure family home while their parents receive the help and support they need. Other children are unable to return home and need a long-term home with a foster family.
To find out about how your Council supports foster carers, click the logos below
We’re the choice for people from all backgrounds—single, coupled up, LGBTQ+, renting, or owning—who want to open their hearts and homes to local children and become part of a loved local community.
Fill out this short form and one of our team will reach out for an open and honest chat. Or feel free to call us on 020 8496 3437 or email hello@localcommunityfostering.co.uk.
You’re more ready than you think.