About the team

We are committed to caring for the young people in our east London borough that need a home and the fostering team work closely with the fostered children’s social workers to make sure everyone's needs are met.

 

Waltham Forest Council are dedicated to achieving the best for our children in care. We do not make any profit from fostering, unlike private fostering agencies that run as a business to maximise profit for shareholders

 

We offer what we believe to be one of the best packages for Foster Carers in the UK which includes up to 66 per cent off council tax and subsidised Waltham Forest Better leisure centre membership for the whole family.

 

We have also implemented the Fostering Network Mockingbird model which provides increased peer to peer support. 

 

We are proud to be winners of the Children and Young People Now, Public Sector Children's Team 2021 Award for our recruitment and training. 

Girl on swing

I feel like part of a team at Waltham Forest. I've been able to understand internal policies, procedures and what is available locally, so I believe I can work better for my young people than if I were a foster carer elsewhere.

Marilyn, Waltham Forest Carer

The award winning Waltham Forest Fostering Team consists of a number of different highly trained and qualified people who are there to help you along your fostering journey. Whether it is a quick phone call to see if fostering is right for you or your dedicated social worker who will work with you ever step of the way. 

Our Fostering team includes:

  • A Recruitment Officer who is waiting to receive your call and answer your initial questions. If you wish to apply they will carry out a short telephone interview with you.
  • ‘Stage One’ workers who will visit you in your home (some of these visits are taking place over video call) at a mutually convenient time to discuss your application further and support you through the first stages of your journey to become a foster carer. They will also be your trainers at ‘Skills To Foster’ – a two day course which prepares you for the role of fostering.
  • Allocated Social Workers. You will have a dedicated Social Worker from the start of your assessment through to after your approval when you start to care for our young people. Please read more about the process. As an approved carer you will receive ongoing support from your dedicated Social Workers.
  • A Training Officer who works alongside your dedicated Social Worker to identify and address your training needs. A wide selection of class room based training is available throughout the year. Our Training Officer also coordinates support groups such our ‘teenager foster carer support group,’ and ‘male carers’ support groups.
  • A Team Manager and Deputy Team Manager who are available to speak to you at any point of during your application and after your approval

We are based at Waltham Forest Fostering Service, Fellowship Square, Waltham Forest Town Hall, Forest Road, London, E17 4JF. The best ways to contact us are by calling our direct recruitment line 020 8496 3437 during office hours, emailing fostering@walthamforest.gov.uk or completing the form below.

Girl on swing

Foster carers report that they feel part of the professional network and are well supported through training and support groups.

Ofsted 2019

Enquire now

Take the first step to become a Waltham Forest Foster Carer and change a child’s life forever. Fill in this quick form or call us on 020 8496 3437. A member of our team will get in touch to discuss further.

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