Become a foster carer
Find out how to become a foster carer, the assessments we carry out and who decides.
Children need our support now more than ever. If you're interested in becoming a foster carer, it is a deeply rewarding and life-changing decision.
As a foster carer, you will play a vital role in helping children and young people navigate through challenging times, providing them with the support they need to thrive.
Qualities we look for in our foster carers include:
- patience
- understanding
- commitment
- previous care support experience (desirable but not essential)
To become a foster carer there are a few stages to go through, after you register your interest.
Initial assessment
If you have a spare room we'll arrange your first appointment with an experienced social worker. They will visit you at your home.
They'll talk to you about your background, skills and abilities and you'll have the opportunity to ask any questions.
They'll decide then whether to offer you a full assessment.
Application to become a foster carer
If we decide to offer a full assessment you'll complete an application form first.
We'll check your references and carry out checks with:
- the police
- your local social services department
- Ofsted
- your previous employers
- your social media accounts
These checks are required by law to ensure the safety of children.
Getting a full assessment
We will then assess your suitability for fostering and will make several visits to you and your family if you have one.
This is also an opportunity for you to learn more about what fostering involves.
You can tell us if you have any preferences about who you would like to foster, for example based on age or gender. Or if you want to foster in the short or long term.
You'll need to attend a preparation training course for 3 days, over 2 weeks.
Final decision
The social worker assessing you will write a detailed report about you. You will need to agree that it is accurate.
The Southwark Fostering Panel will then consider the report. They will decide whether you can become an approved foster carer.
The panel is made up of professionals who are experts in fostering, childcare, health or education.
Register your interest now
If you want to register your interest or get further information about becoming a foster carer, complete the enquiry form and a member of the team will contact you.
You can also contact us in the following ways:
- call 020 7525 0700
- email fostering@southwark.gov.uk
- consider becoming an independent visitor
- if you do not have a spare room you could consider becoming a Family Link carer
If you're interested in visiting a member of the team come along to one of our fostering information sessions.