About us

Why foster?

Fostering is a big commitment, but it's a deeply rewarding experience. Fostering offers a child or young person a safe and caring environment while they are unable to live with their own family.

We desperately need more foster carers across West London to support our children in need of short-term or long-term care. By opening up your heart and your home you can help give children the future they deserve. You will receive training, support at every step of the way, and competitive fees and allowances.

If you're already thinking about fostering, you already have some of the characteristics that would be essential for a foster carer. A desire to help change children and young people's lives should be at the heart of the reasons to foster a child. There are certain requirements that you'll need to meet in order to begin your application to become a foster carer. Find out more about whether fostering may be right for you, can I foster?

 

What is fostering?

Children come into care for many different reasons. Sometimes it is because of a parent's short-term illness or a temporary problem within the family that requires the children to have alternative care. Some have experienced domestic abuse, substance misuse, abuse or neglect. For many children and young people, fostering is often their first positive experience of family life.

• Fostering involves looking after someone else's child in your own home whilst they are unable to live with their own family.
• It offers children and young people a safe and caring environment, usually geographically close to their home, to allow them to thrive and develop.
•  There are many different types of fostering Types of Fostering depending on the needs of the child or young person.
• Foster carers may help children and young people come to terms with difficult issues.
• Foster carers may take children to and/or collect them from supervised contact.
• Foster carers work as part of a professional network in supporting the child or young person.

Fostering can be challenging at times, but it can also be a deeply rewarding experience.