Become a foster carer

If you're interested in becoming a foster carer why not come along to one of our fostering information sessions?

Register interest

To register your interest you just need to complete a short enquiry form.

Or you can:

• call 020 7525 0700
• email fostering@southwark.gov.uk

We're pleased to hear from anyone who wishes to foster, but you do need to have a spare room. 

If you do not have a spare room contact our Family Link team by:

• emailing familylink@southwark.gov.uk
• calling 0207 525 5316

Or consider becoming an independent visitor.

First assessment

If you do 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.

Apply 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.

Get 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.