Choosing to become a foster carer can be an exciting and emotional experience and we’re here to help you through every step. 

If you are interested in fostering a child in Royal Greenwich, the first thing you need to do is contact our Fostering team by telephone, or sign up for one of our regular information events. 

We will collect the relevant information from you and answer any key questions that you may have at this stage. 

Fostering is a hugely rewarding experience. You will play an important part in a young person’s life, giving them a safe and secure home. 

If you have a spare room, you could be eligible to become a foster carer for Royal Greenwich so please get in touch today to find out more. 

Find out more about fostering information events 

The following information explains the fostering application process. 

Continuing the process

After attending one our regular information meetings, we will arrange a home visit to undertake a detailed interview. 

In order to go ahead after this meeting, you will need to complete an application form. 

Checks

Once your application and authorisation has been received, we will arrange for local authority, police and medical checks to be carried out and request references.

Assessment

Our full assessment process will begin soon after we receive your application form. 

We will allocate you a social worker to help you produce a personal fostering development plan. 

Your social worker will also prepare an assessment report to present to the fostering panel. You will also be asked to attend this panel. 

There is normally a period of eight months from the time we receive your application to the time you go to the panel, although we aim to complete this part of the process within six months. 

You will be required to make written contributions to the report and will have the opportunity to say whether or not you agree with what has been produced. 

The panel will then make a recommendation about approving you as a foster carer and about the ages and number of children that you can foster. 

Once you are approved as a foster carer, you will be allocated a supervising social worker who will support you in carrying out your role and advise you on your development needs. 

Keeping you informed

We make sure that our assessment processes are as transparent as possible on both sides.

You will need to share a lot of personal information with us, but you will be kept fully informed of your progress during your assessment and of any issues that may arise.

Workshops

We will ask you to attend workshop and preparation groups, where information about fostering is shared.