Find out how to become a foster carer, the assessments we carry out and who decides.
If you're interested in becoming a foster carer why not come along to one of our fostering information sessions?
To register your interest you just need to complete a short enquiry form.
Or you can:
call 0800 952 0707
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
or consider becoming an independent visitor.
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.
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.
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.
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.