We’re looking for people who can give children a safe and happy home in London and the South East.
The children who need your care have been through tough times. They may need help managing their emotions and behaviors.
We find foster homes for children of all ages. But there is a high need for children aged six to 18.
Areas we cover
Our friendly team recruits foster carers in London, Hampshire, Dorset, Kent and West Sussex.
Not sure if we foster near you?
Types of fostering
Long term fostering
This is when a child needs to stay with a foster family for several years, or until they are ready and able to live independently.
Planned breaks
Planned breaks carers play a vital role in supporting full-time foster carers and young people. Providing cover during holidays and weekends gives full-time carers the chance to recharge their batteries and enables children to have new experiences. It would involve you looking after a child or young person for a few days, usually on a regular basis.
Parent and child
Typically lasting around three months, this type of fostering involves safeguarding and supporting babies and young children whose parents are unable to safely care for them without help. The parent(s), who can be teenagers or adults ranging from 18 to 40+, live with you during this time, and care for the child under your observation and with your help. This is a very different role from other types of fostering and is offered in only some of our services. You receive additional training and support. Our current specialist carers have told us it can be extremely rewarding. We’d be happy to talk to you if you wish to explore this further.
Siblings
Where possible, we try to keep brothers and sisters together.
Unaccompanied children and young people seeking asylum
Children and young people who are waiting for the asylum application decision may need a home. This can be for a short term emergency or a long term home.
Therapeutic fostering
Within a therapeutic foster home, our foster parents look after and provide a loving home for children and young people who have faced severe disruption, abuse or trauma. These young people are likely to have complex needs, attachment difficulties and challenging behaviours. Action for Children Fostering will provide you with access to our professionals in this field and all the training and support you will need to manage any situation that may arise.
Download our Statement of Purpose (South East)
Download our Statement of Purpose (Wessex)
We will talk to you about the type of fostering available, taking your preferences and skills into account. As a charity, our priority is getting it right for children and young people.
Who we're looking for
Foster carers come from all walks of life. To foster, you will need to be at least 21. You will also need a spare room for a child. You’ll have to be good with children and have time to give.
Have questions about fostering?
Support and training
- 24-hour support, with a dedicated supervising social worker and a foster carer helpline.
- Extensive training all year around. Our staff are highly trained in attachment, development trauma and therapeutic parenting.
- Regular support groups and a buddy system for new foster carers.
- Competitive fees and allowances.
- A range of benefits and discounts for foster carers.
