Why is there such high demand for foster carers in London?

London has consistently high numbers of children in care, particularly in inner boroughs such as Hackney, Newham, Tower Hamlets, Haringey and Lambeth. Across the capital, there is an ongoing need for foster carers who can support teenagers, sibling groups and children with complex or additional needs — placements that are harder to fill and where the shortage is most acute. [object Object]

How do I become a foster carer in London?

Start by picking two or three services from this page and making contact — you are not committing to anything at that stage. You can go to your own borough's fostering team, such as Camden Fostering Service, Croydon Fostering Service or Waltham Forest Fostering Service, or contact an independent fostering agency with a London office. These initial conversations are a two-way process: they will explain what they are looking for and what happens next, and you get a feel for whether the organisation seems like the right fit before you commit to anything. If you decide to proceed, you will begin a formal assessment. This involves home visits, DBS (background) checks, references, training sessions and a series of meetings with a qualified social worker. It typically takes between four and six months and ends with a review by an independent fostering panel. Once approved, you will be matched with a child whose needs, background and circumstances are considered carefully alongside your own experience, home situation and what kind of fostering you are best placed to offer.

What is the difference between fostering through my local authority (LA) and an independent fostering agency (IFA) in London?

Each of London's 32 boroughs has its own local authority fostering team (LA), recruiting carers for children already in that borough's care. This is often the most direct route if you want to foster locally, whether through Camden, Ealing, Southwark, Brent or any other borough. LA services tend to be well embedded in the local community and recruit specifically to meet the needs of their own looked-after children. Independent fostering agencies (IFAs) are commissioned by London boroughs when their in-house fostering teams cannot fill placements — which happens regularly across the capital given the scale of demand. Unlike borough services, IFAs recruit across multiple areas simultaneously, so in some cases, the children you look after may come from outside your borough. London has a particularly wide range of IFAs, from large national providers with dedicated London offices to smaller specialist agencies focused on specific types of care, such as children with disabilities or therapeutic placements. The table on this page lets you filter by coverage and provider type so you can compare them properly.

What are the current foster care allowance rates and weekly income for London carers?

The average total weekly income for foster carers in London generally ranges from £450 to over £700 per child. Fostering payments in the capital are not a standard corporate salary; instead, they are structured to include a tax-free child maintenance allowance (covering city living costs like food, clothing, and TfL travel) alongside a professional reward fee for your time and caregiving skills. [object Object] [object Object]

Can I foster within my own London borough, or do I need to cover the whole of London?

You can absolutely foster within your own borough. Each of London's 32 boroughs has its own local authority fostering service, and applying directly to your borough means caring for children from that local area. If you live in Lewisham, for example, you can apply to Lewisham Fostering Service and support children already connected to that community. If you are open to fostering across a wider area, independent fostering agencies recruit across London as a whole and sometimes beyond. Neither route is better than the other. It comes down to what works for your family and what kind of placements you feel best placed to offer.

How long does it take to become an approved foster carer in London?

Four to six months is the typical timeline from first enquiry to approval, but it can vary in London. Some inner-city boroughs carry larger caseloads and receive more applications, which can stretch the process slightly. Independent fostering agencies tend to be more consistent in hitting that four-to-six-month window. Either way, the assessment covers a home study by a qualified social worker, DBS checks, references, pre-approval training and a final panel review. The timeline is largely in your hands — responding promptly to requests and being open during the home study process keeps things moving. Some London independent fostering agencies (IFAs) offer an accelerated assessment for people with relevant professional backgrounds, such as social workers, nurses, teachers or those who have worked in childcare. If you think this might apply to you, it is worth asking when you first make contact.

Do I need to own my home to foster in London?

In London, most people rent rather than own — and that is no barrier to fostering. Renters foster successfully across all 32 boroughs and fostering services here are well used to working with people in private rented accommodation. What matters is that you have a stable home with a spare bedroom available for a child. If you rent privately, check your tenancy agreement for any clause about fostering. Most landlords will agree if you explain what it involves, but get written confirmation before your assessment begins. If you live in a housing association or council property, the rules vary by landlord — your fostering agency will help you find out what you need.

Which London boroughs are covered by this directory?

This directory covers all 32 London boroughs: Barking and Dagenham, Barnet, Bexley, Brent, Bromley, Camden, Croydon, Ealing, Enfield, Greenwich, Hackney, Hammersmith and Fulham, Haringey, Harrow, Havering, Hillingdon, Hounslow, Islington, Kensington and Chelsea, Kingston upon Thames, Lambeth, Lewisham, Merton, Newham, Redbridge, Richmond upon Thames, Southwark, Sutton, Tower Hamlets, Waltham Forest, Wandsworth and Westminster. It also includes agencies serving the City of London. The listings include borough-specific local authority fostering services, regional IFAs operating across Greater London, and national agencies that recruit UK-wide.

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Fostering Agencies in London

Compare Foster Care Providers Across Inner and Outer London Boroughs

Browse all agencies serving London's 32 boroughs, or search by your postcode to find agencies closest to your home. Shortlist up to 3 and request a call.

Some agencies listed may be based outside London but have confirmed they serve the area. It's worth asking them directly about local support when you make contact.

A boy in a yellow East London hoodie crouching on the pavement at Shoreditch High Street bus stop, with a red double-decker London bus and colourful street art murals in the background

Organisation Type

Coverage

Ofsted

Fostering type

Showing 55 of 55

Agency	Location	Ofsted	Provider type	Fostering types	Allowance	Reviews
Achieving for Children Regional	Kingston upon Thames	Good	Social Enterprise	Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child	—	2.4· 13
Ascent Fostering Agency Regional	Wallington (Sutton)	Outstanding	Independent Fostering Agency	Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child, sibling groups	—	5.0· 12
Avanti Fostering Regional	Stanmore	Not yet inspected	Independent Fostering Agency	Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child	—	No reviews
Banya Family Placement Agency Regional	London	Outstanding	Independent Fostering Agency	Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child, therapeutic, sibling groups	—	5.0· 4
Barnet Fostering Service Locally run	Barnet	Good	Local Authority	Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child	At or above London NMA — confirm with borough	4.3· 6
Bexley Fostering Service Locally run	Bexleyheath	Outstanding	Local Authority	Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child	At or above London NMA — confirm with borough	1.0· 9
Brent Fostering Service Locally run	Wembley	Good	Local Authority	Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child	At or above London NMA — confirm with borough	4.9· 7
Bromley Fostering Service Locally run	Bromley	Outstanding	Local Authority	Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child	At or above London NMA — confirm with borough	No reviews
Camden Fostering Service Locally run	London	Outstanding	Local Authority	Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child	At or above Inner London NMA — confirm with borough	5.0· 1
Capstone Foster Care National	Croydon	Outstanding	Independent Fostering Agency	Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child, therapeutic	—	No reviews
Capstone Foster Care National	London	Outstanding	Independent Fostering Agency	Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child, therapeutic	—	3.8· 6
City of London Fostering Service Locally run	London	Outstanding	Local Authority	Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child	At or above Inner London NMA — confirm with borough	No reviews
Compass Fostering National	London	Good	Independent Fostering Agency	Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child, sibling groups	—	3.0· 5
Compass Fostering National	Hornchurch	Good	Independent Fostering Agency	Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child, sibling groups	—	5.0· 1
Croydon Fostering Service Locally run	Croydon	Good	Local Authority	Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child	At or above London NMA — confirm with borough	No reviews
Ealing Fostering Service Locally run	Ealing	Good	Local Authority	Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child	At or above London NMA — confirm with borough	4.5· 2
Enfield Fostering Service Locally run	Enfield	Good	Local Authority	Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child	At or above London NMA — confirm with borough	No reviews
Five Rivers Child Care National	Basildon	Good	Social Enterprise	Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child, therapeutic	—	No reviews
Five Rivers Child Care National	Romford	Not yet inspected	Social Enterprise	Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child, therapeutic	—	No reviews
Foster Care Associates (FCA) National	Satellite office	Outstanding	Independent Fostering Agency	Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child, therapeutic, sibling groups	—	4.4· 9
Foster Care Associates (FCA) National	London	Outstanding	Independent Fostering Agency	Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child, therapeutic, sibling groups	—	No reviews
Foster Care Link Regional	London	Outstanding	Independent Fostering Agency	Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child, therapeutic, sibling groups	—	5.0· 3
Fostering Innovations Regional	Uxbridge	Not yet inspected	Independent Fostering Agency	Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child	—	No reviews
Fostering London Ltd Regional	London	Outstanding	Independent Fostering Agency	Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child, sibling groups	—	4.7· 9
Greater London Fostering Regional	London	Outstanding	Independent Fostering Agency	Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child, therapeutic, sibling groups	—	No reviews
Greenwich Fostering Service Locally run	Greenwich	Outstanding	Local Authority	Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child	At or above Inner London NMA — confirm with borough	No reviews
Hackney Fostering Service Locally run	London	Good	Local Authority	Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child	At or above Inner London NMA — confirm with borough	5.0· 1
Haringey Fostering Service Locally run	London	Good	Local Authority	Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child	At or above Inner London NMA — confirm with borough	No reviews
Hillingdon Fostering Service Locally run	Uxbridge	Outstanding	Local Authority	Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child	At or above London NMA — confirm with borough	1.0· 3
Hounslow Fostering Service Locally run	Hounslow	Good	Local Authority	Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child	At or above London NMA — confirm with borough	No reviews
Islington Fostering Service Locally run	London	Outstanding	Local Authority	Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child	At or above Inner London NMA — confirm with borough	5.0· 1
ISP Fostering National	Enfield	Outstanding	Independent Fostering Agency	Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child, therapeutic, sibling groups	—	3.7· 3
ISP Fostering National	Bromsgrove	Outstanding	Independent Fostering Agency	Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child, therapeutic, sibling groups	—	5.0· 6
Kensington and Chelsea Fostering Service Locally run	London	Outstanding	Local Authority	Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child	At or above Inner London NMA — confirm with borough	No reviews
Lewisham Fostering Service Locally run	London	Good	Local Authority	Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child	At or above Inner London NMA — confirm with borough	No reviews
Lika Family Fostering Regional	Croydon	Outstanding	Independent Fostering Agency	Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child, sibling groups	—	4.8· 23
Merton Fostering Service Locally run	Morden	Outstanding	Local Authority	Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child	At or above London NMA — confirm with borough	3.0· 5
National Fostering Agency National	Satellite office	Good	Independent Fostering Agency	Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child, therapeutic, sibling groups	—	2.8· 4
National Fostering Agency National	Uxbridge	Good	Independent Fostering Agency	Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child, therapeutic, sibling groups	—	4.7· 3
National Fostering Agency National	Croydon	Good	Independent Fostering Agency	Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child, therapeutic, sibling groups	—	No reviews
Nationwide Fostering National	Uxbridge	Good	Independent Fostering Agency	Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child	—	No reviews
Newham Fostering Service Locally run	London	Good	Local Authority	Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child	At or above Inner London NMA — confirm with borough	No reviews
Nexus Fostering National	Harrow	Outstanding	Independent Fostering Agency	Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child, therapeutic, sibling groups	—	4.4· 16
Nexus Fostering National	London	Outstanding	Independent Fostering Agency	Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child, therapeutic, sibling groups	—	No reviews
Outset Fostering Agency Regional	Enfield	Good	Independent Fostering Agency	Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child	—	5.0· 1
Redbridge Fostering Service Locally run	Ilford	Outstanding	Local Authority	Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child	At or above London NMA — confirm with borough	4.6· 9
Southwark Fostering Service Locally run	London	Good	Local Authority	Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child	At or above Inner London NMA — confirm with borough	3.4· 50
Sutton Fostering Service Locally run	Sutton	Good	Local Authority	Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child	At or above London NMA — confirm with borough	No reviews
TACT National	London	Outstanding	Charity	Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, therapeutic, sibling groups	Generous fees and allowances — enquire at 0330 123 2250	No reviews
TACT National	Satellite office	Good	Charity	Short-term, long-term, therapeutic, sibling groups, emergency	From £390 per week	No reviews
Tower Hamlets Fostering Service Locally run	London	Outstanding	Local Authority	Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child	At or above Inner London NMA — confirm with borough	3.0· 2
UK Fostering National	Hounslow	Outstanding	Independent Fostering Agency	Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child, sibling groups	—	No reviews
Waltham Forest Fostering Service Locally run	London	Good	Local Authority	Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child	At or above London NMA — confirm with borough	3.5· 8
Wandsworth Fostering Service Locally run	London	Good	Local Authority	Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child	At or above Inner London NMA — confirm with borough	No reviews
Westminster Fostering Service Locally run	London	Outstanding	Local Authority	Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child	At or above Inner London NMA — confirm with borough	No reviews

Achieving for ChildrenOfsted: Good

RegionalKingston upon Thames · Social Enterprise

Types: Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child

Allowance: —

2.4· 13

Ascent Fostering AgencyOfsted: Outstanding

RegionalWallington (Sutton) · Independent Fostering Agency

Types: Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child, sibling groups

Allowance: —

5.0· 12

Avanti FosteringOfsted: Not yet inspected

RegionalStanmore · Independent Fostering Agency

Types: Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child

Allowance: —

No reviews

Banya Family Placement AgencyOfsted: Outstanding

RegionalLondon · Independent Fostering Agency

Types: Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child, therapeutic, sibling groups

Allowance: —

5.0· 4

Barnet Fostering ServiceOfsted: Good

Locally runBarnet · Local Authority

Types: Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child

Allowance:

At or above London NMA — confirm with borough

4.3· 6

Bexley Fostering ServiceOfsted: Outstanding

Locally runBexleyheath · Local Authority

Types: Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child

Allowance:

At or above London NMA — confirm with borough

1.0· 9

Brent Fostering ServiceOfsted: Good

Locally runWembley · Local Authority

Types: Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child

Allowance:

At or above London NMA — confirm with borough

4.9· 7

Bromley Fostering ServiceOfsted: Outstanding

Locally runBromley · Local Authority

Types: Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child

Allowance:

At or above London NMA — confirm with borough

No reviews

Camden Fostering ServiceOfsted: Outstanding

Locally runLondon · Local Authority

Types: Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child

Allowance:

At or above Inner London NMA — confirm with borough

5.0· 1

Capstone Foster CareOfsted: Outstanding

NationalCroydon · Independent Fostering Agency

Types: Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child, therapeutic

Allowance: —

No reviews

Capstone Foster CareOfsted: Outstanding

NationalLondon · Independent Fostering Agency

Types: Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child, therapeutic

Allowance: —

3.8· 6

City of London Fostering ServiceOfsted: Outstanding

Locally runLondon · Local Authority

Types: Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child

Allowance:

At or above Inner London NMA — confirm with borough

No reviews

Compass FosteringOfsted: Good

NationalLondon · Independent Fostering Agency

Types: Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child, sibling groups

Allowance: —

3.0· 5

Compass FosteringOfsted: Good

NationalHornchurch · Independent Fostering Agency

Types: Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child, sibling groups

Allowance: —

5.0· 1

Croydon Fostering ServiceOfsted: Good

Locally runCroydon · Local Authority

Types: Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child

Allowance:

At or above London NMA — confirm with borough

No reviews

Ealing Fostering ServiceOfsted: Good

Locally runEaling · Local Authority

Types: Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child

Allowance:

At or above London NMA — confirm with borough

4.5· 2

Enfield Fostering ServiceOfsted: Good

Locally runEnfield · Local Authority

Types: Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child

Allowance:

At or above London NMA — confirm with borough

No reviews

Five Rivers Child CareOfsted: Good

NationalBasildon · Social Enterprise

Types: Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child, therapeutic

Allowance: —

No reviews

Five Rivers Child CareOfsted: Not yet inspected

NationalRomford · Social Enterprise

Types: Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child, therapeutic

Allowance: —

No reviews

Foster Care Associates (FCA)Ofsted: Outstanding

NationalSatellite office · Independent Fostering Agency

Types: Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child, therapeutic, sibling groups

Allowance: —

4.4· 9

Foster Care Associates (FCA)Ofsted: Outstanding

NationalLondon · Independent Fostering Agency

Types: Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child, therapeutic, sibling groups

Allowance: —

No reviews

Foster Care LinkOfsted: Outstanding

RegionalLondon · Independent Fostering Agency

Types: Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child, therapeutic, sibling groups

Allowance: —

5.0· 3

Fostering InnovationsOfsted: Not yet inspected

RegionalUxbridge · Independent Fostering Agency

Types: Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child

Allowance: —

No reviews

Fostering London LtdOfsted: Outstanding

RegionalLondon · Independent Fostering Agency

Types: Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child, sibling groups

Allowance: —

4.7· 9

Greater London FosteringOfsted: Outstanding

RegionalLondon · Independent Fostering Agency

Types: Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child, therapeutic, sibling groups

Allowance: —

No reviews

Greenwich Fostering ServiceOfsted: Outstanding

Locally runGreenwich · Local Authority

Types: Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child

Allowance:

At or above Inner London NMA — confirm with borough

No reviews

Hackney Fostering ServiceOfsted: Good

Locally runLondon · Local Authority

Types: Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child

Allowance:

At or above Inner London NMA — confirm with borough

5.0· 1

Haringey Fostering ServiceOfsted: Good

Locally runLondon · Local Authority

Types: Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child

Allowance:

At or above Inner London NMA — confirm with borough

No reviews

Hillingdon Fostering ServiceOfsted: Outstanding

Locally runUxbridge · Local Authority

Types: Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child

Allowance:

At or above London NMA — confirm with borough

1.0· 3

Hounslow Fostering ServiceOfsted: Good

Locally runHounslow · Local Authority

Types: Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child

Allowance:

At or above London NMA — confirm with borough

No reviews

Islington Fostering ServiceOfsted: Outstanding

Locally runLondon · Local Authority

Types: Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child

Allowance:

At or above Inner London NMA — confirm with borough

5.0· 1

ISP FosteringOfsted: Outstanding

NationalEnfield · Independent Fostering Agency

Types: Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child, therapeutic, sibling groups

Allowance: —

3.7· 3

ISP FosteringOfsted: Outstanding

NationalBromsgrove · Independent Fostering Agency

Types: Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child, therapeutic, sibling groups

Allowance: —

5.0· 6

Kensington and Chelsea Fostering ServiceOfsted: Outstanding

Locally runLondon · Local Authority

Types: Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child

Allowance:

At or above Inner London NMA — confirm with borough

No reviews

Lewisham Fostering ServiceOfsted: Good

Locally runLondon · Local Authority

Types: Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child

Allowance:

At or above Inner London NMA — confirm with borough

No reviews

Lika Family FosteringOfsted: Outstanding

RegionalCroydon · Independent Fostering Agency

Types: Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child, sibling groups

Allowance: —

4.8· 23

Merton Fostering ServiceOfsted: Outstanding

Locally runMorden · Local Authority

Types: Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child

Allowance:

At or above London NMA — confirm with borough

3.0· 5

National Fostering AgencyOfsted: Good

NationalSatellite office · Independent Fostering Agency

Types: Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child, therapeutic, sibling groups

Allowance: —

2.8· 4

National Fostering AgencyOfsted: Good

NationalUxbridge · Independent Fostering Agency

Types: Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child, therapeutic, sibling groups

Allowance: —

4.7· 3

National Fostering AgencyOfsted: Good

NationalCroydon · Independent Fostering Agency

Types: Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child, therapeutic, sibling groups

Allowance: —

No reviews

Nationwide FosteringOfsted: Good

NationalUxbridge · Independent Fostering Agency

Types: Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child

Allowance: —

No reviews

Newham Fostering ServiceOfsted: Good

Locally runLondon · Local Authority

Types: Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child

Allowance:

At or above Inner London NMA — confirm with borough

No reviews

Nexus FosteringOfsted: Outstanding

NationalHarrow · Independent Fostering Agency

Types: Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child, therapeutic, sibling groups

Allowance: —

4.4· 16

Nexus FosteringOfsted: Outstanding

NationalLondon · Independent Fostering Agency

Types: Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child, therapeutic, sibling groups

Allowance: —

No reviews

Outset Fostering AgencyOfsted: Good

RegionalEnfield · Independent Fostering Agency

Types: Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child

Allowance: —

5.0· 1

Redbridge Fostering ServiceOfsted: Outstanding

Locally runIlford · Local Authority

Types: Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child

Allowance:

At or above London NMA — confirm with borough

4.6· 9

Southwark Fostering ServiceOfsted: Good

Locally runLondon · Local Authority

Types: Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child

Allowance:

At or above Inner London NMA — confirm with borough

3.4· 50

Sutton Fostering ServiceOfsted: Good

Locally runSutton · Local Authority

Types: Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child

Allowance:

At or above London NMA — confirm with borough

No reviews

TACTOfsted: Outstanding

NationalLondon · Charity

Types: Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, therapeutic, sibling groups

Allowance:

Generous fees and allowances — enquire at 0330 123 2250

No reviews

TACTOfsted: Good

NationalSatellite office · Charity

Types: Short-term, long-term, therapeutic, sibling groups, emergency

Allowance:

From £390 per week

No reviews

Tower Hamlets Fostering ServiceOfsted: Outstanding

Locally runLondon · Local Authority

Types: Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child

Allowance:

At or above Inner London NMA — confirm with borough

3.0· 2

UK FosteringOfsted: Outstanding

NationalHounslow · Independent Fostering Agency

Types: Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child, sibling groups

Allowance: —

No reviews

Waltham Forest Fostering ServiceOfsted: Good

Locally runLondon · Local Authority

Types: Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child

Allowance:

At or above London NMA — confirm with borough

3.5· 8

Wandsworth Fostering ServiceOfsted: Good

Locally runLondon · Local Authority

Types: Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child

Allowance:

At or above Inner London NMA — confirm with borough

No reviews

Westminster Fostering ServiceOfsted: Outstanding

Locally runLondon · Local Authority

Types: Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child

Allowance:

At or above Inner London NMA — confirm with borough

No reviews

We are an independent comparison tool, not a fostering agency.

Fostering agencies in London: what you need to know

London is home to 32 boroughs plus the City of London, each running its own local authority fostering team. It is the most ethnically and culturally diverse part of the UK, which means fostering agencies across the capital actively prioritise recruiting carers from a wide range of backgrounds. This matters because children in care are placed with families who reflect and understand where they have come from.

Demand for foster carers in London is consistently high. Inner boroughs such as Hackney, Newham, Tower Hamlets and Haringey have particularly significant numbers of children in care. Across the capital, there is an ongoing need for carers able to support teenagers, sibling groups and children with more complex needs — placements that are harder to fill and where the shortage is most acute.

When you look into fostering in London, you essentially have two main routes.

Local authority fostering services

Each of London's 32 boroughs runs its own fostering team, recruiting carers for children already in that borough's care. If you want to foster locally, the most direct route is applying to your own borough's service. Some London boroughs, including Bexley, Bromley, Camden, Merton and Westminster, have Outstanding-rated fostering services.

Independent fostering agencies (IFAs)

The alternative is an independent fostering agency. London boroughs commission IFAs when their own in-house teams cannot meet demand, which in a city this size is frequent. Because IFAs work across multiple boroughs simultaneously, they often give you more flexibility in the type of child you are matched with. Several agencies listed here focus on specific areas: therapeutic fostering, placements for children with disabilities, or parent-and-child assessments. Allowances and support packages vary considerably between providers, which is exactly why comparing them before making contact is worth the time.

For practical guidance on choosing between the options available to you, read our guide: How to choose a fostering agency: 10 vital questions to ask.

Exploring fostering options across the wider UK? Browse all fostering agencies on our UK homepage.

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Every agency listed here offers a free, no-obligation first call — whether you're just starting to explore fostering or ready to take the next step.

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Fostering guides

Practical advice to help you find the right fostering provider and understand the journey ahead.

Young girl in a teal jacket carefully choosing between two potted plants at a sunny garden centre, surrounded by colourful flowers and hanging baskets

Guides

How to choose a fostering agency: 10 vital questions to ask

Our ultimate guide on how to choose a fostering agency, featuring the 10 vital questions you must ask any provider on your shortlist.

Read the guide →

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Guides

How much do foster parents get paid in London? Your complete guide

A transparent breakdown of allowances, professional fees, tax exemptions, and specialist rates for 2026/2027.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Fostering in London

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