Who could you foster?

Fostering is caring for children in your own home who are unable to live with their own families.

Fostering a child is highly rewarding experience for anyone wanting to make a difference to the life of a child or young person.

We need carers from all backgrounds that have the ability to meet the needs of children they carer for.

All children need basic food, clothing, shelter, love and safety. Children in foster carer have the same needs and because of their life experiences may have additional needs.

In Waltham Forest we need carers for children for all ages and backgrounds but our greatest needs are carers for;

• Young mothers and babies
• Brothers and sisters
• Children with disabilities 

Can I choose who I foster?

This is a question we are often asked by prospective foster carers. All carers should be open to care for children of all religious and ethnic backgrounds. Our foster carers are approved to take children of all ages and are expected to be flexible, however during assessment we do explore and set preferences. We often find that carers preferences change during and after assessment with their growing knowledge and experience and changes in their own families.

It usually takes around  six months to become an approved foster carer. We will support you every step of the way.