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. London is the most ethnically diverse city in the world, and that shapes how fostering works here in specific ways. According to the latest data from the Department for Education, approximately 60% of looked-after children in London come from Black, Asian, Mixed, or minority ethnic backgrounds — a significantly higher proportion than anywhere else in England. Agencies across the capital are actively seeking carers from Black African, Black Caribbean, South Asian and Eastern European communities in particular. If you speak a language other than English at home, or have a faith background that shapes your family life, these are important and valued when it comes to matching children with the right carer.

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. When you compare the providers listed in this directory, the specific foster care allowance rates you receive will depend heavily on the child's age, their complex needs, and the type of organisation you register with: London Borough Councils (Not-For-Profit): Council-run fostering services operate to support local children within their home boroughs. For the 2026/2027 financial year, the government's statutory baseline London National Minimum Allowance (NMA) ranges from £205 per week (for infants aged 0–2) up to £309 per week (for teenagers aged 16–17). Most London boroughs layer local "skills fees" on top of this base rate, adding an extra £80 to £230+ per week as you pass training tiers. Independent Fostering Agencies (IFAs) & Fostering Charities: The private agencies and voluntary charities listed in our directory usually offer higher overall weekly structures, frequently paying between £550 and £700+ per week. This premium framework reflects their commercial recruitment focus on urgent, sibling group, or specialist therapeutic placements. Additionally, under HMRC's 2026/2027 Qualifying Care Relief (QCR) tax scheme, foster households receive a substantial tax-free exemption combining a £20,440 fixed annual allowance with weekly tax reliefs of up to £515 per child. As a result, the vast majority of London foster parents pay zero income tax or National Insurance on their entire fostering income.

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 90 of 90

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
Amber Fostering Locally run	Ilford	Good	Independent Fostering Agency		—	No reviews
Ansacare Fostering Agency Locally run	Croydon	Good	Independent Fostering Agency		—	No reviews
Apple Fostering Services Locally run	Harlesden	Good	Independent Fostering Agency		—	No reviews
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
Be My Family Fostering Agency Locally run	Feltham	Good	Independent Fostering Agency		—	No reviews
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
Britannia Fostering Agency Locally run	Ilford	Good	Independent Fostering Agency		—	No reviews
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	London	Outstanding	Independent Fostering Agency	Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child, therapeutic	—	3.8· 6
Caring Hearts Fostering Locally run	Stanmore	Good	Independent Fostering Agency		—	No reviews
Children Of All Nations (COAN) Locally run	Croydon	Good	Independent Fostering Agency		—	No reviews
Children Of Colour Locally run	Croydon	Good	Independent Fostering Agency		—	No reviews
Chrysalis Care Locally run	Bexleyheath	Good	Independent Fostering Agency		—	No reviews
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
Coram Fostering Service Locally run	London	Outstanding	Charity		—	No reviews
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
Daffodils Fostering Locally run	Stanmore	Good	Independent Fostering Agency		—	No reviews
Diagrama Fostering Locally run	Croydon	Good	Charity		—	No reviews
Diversity Foster Care Locally run	London	Good	Independent Fostering Agency		—	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
Family First Fostering Agency Locally run	London	Good	Independent Fostering Agency		—	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	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
FosterCare UK National	Croydon	Outstanding	Independent Fostering Agency	Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child, therapeutic	—	No reviews
Fostering for You Locally run	London	Good	Independent Fostering Agency		—	No reviews
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
Fostering Support Group Locally run	Shortlands	Good	Independent Fostering Agency		—	No reviews
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
Hatols Fostering Service Locally run	Bromley	Outstanding	Independent Fostering Agency		—	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
Horizon Fostering Services Locally run	Kingsbury	Good	Independent Fostering Agency		—	No reviews
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
Indigo Fostering Locally run	Croydon	Not yet inspected	Independent Fostering Agency		—	No reviews
Infinity Foster Care Locally run	Ilford	Good	Independent Fostering Agency		—	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
Lotus Foster Care Locally run	Croydon	Good	Independent Fostering Agency		—	No reviews
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
MMR Fostering Limited Locally run	London	Not yet inspected	Independent Fostering Agency		—	No reviews
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
Nurture Fostering Locally run	London	Good	Independent Fostering Agency		—	No reviews
Outset Fostering Agency Regional	Enfield	Good	Independent Fostering Agency	Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child	—	5.0· 1
Parent and Child Fostering Service Locally run	Wembley	Good	Independent Fostering Agency		—	No reviews
Phoenix Community Care Locally run	London	Good	Independent Fostering Agency		—	No reviews
Rainbow Fostering Services Locally run	Harrow	Outstanding	Independent Fostering Agency		—	No reviews
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
Regional Fostering Services Locally run	Uxbridge	Good	Independent Fostering Agency		—	No reviews
Rising Stars Fostering Locally run	Ilford	Good	Independent Fostering Agency		—	No reviews
Ryancare Fostering Locally run	Wanstead	Good	Independent Fostering Agency		—	No reviews
Shared Care Services Locally run	Ilford	Good	Independent Fostering Agency		—	No reviews
Shining Stars Fostering Agency Locally run	Croydon	Outstanding	Independent Fostering Agency		—	No reviews
Silver Lining Fostering Locally run	Brentford	Outstanding	Independent Fostering Agency		—	No reviews
South Coast Fostering National	London	Outstanding	Independent Fostering Agency		—	No reviews
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
Stepping Stones Fostering Locally run	Ilford	Good	Independent Fostering Agency		—	No reviews
Subari Foster Care Locally run	Croydon	Good	Independent Fostering Agency		—	No reviews
Sure Start Fostering Agency Locally run	Ilford	Good	Independent Fostering Agency		—	No reviews
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
Synergy Fostering Locally run	London	Good	Independent Fostering Agency		—	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	London	Outstanding	Independent Fostering Agency		—	No reviews
Thrive Fostering Locally run	Harrow	Not yet inspected	Independent Fostering Agency		—	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
Wellcare Fostering Services Locally run	Ilford	Good	Independent Fostering Agency		—	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

Amber FosteringOfsted: Good

Locally runIlford · Independent Fostering Agency

Types:

Allowance: —

No reviews

Ansacare Fostering AgencyOfsted: Good

Locally runCroydon · Independent Fostering Agency

Types:

Allowance: —

No reviews

Apple Fostering ServicesOfsted: Good

Locally runHarlesden · Independent Fostering Agency

Types:

Allowance: —

No reviews

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

Be My Family Fostering AgencyOfsted: Good

Locally runFeltham · Independent Fostering Agency

Types:

Allowance: —

No reviews

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

Britannia Fostering AgencyOfsted: Good

Locally runIlford · Independent Fostering Agency

Types:

Allowance: —

No reviews

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

NationalLondon · Independent Fostering Agency

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

Allowance: —

3.8· 6

Caring Hearts FosteringOfsted: Good

Locally runStanmore · Independent Fostering Agency

Types:

Allowance: —

No reviews

Children Of All Nations (COAN)Ofsted: Good

Locally runCroydon · Independent Fostering Agency

Types:

Allowance: —

No reviews

Children Of ColourOfsted: Good

Locally runCroydon · Independent Fostering Agency

Types:

Allowance: —

No reviews

Chrysalis CareOfsted: Good

Locally runBexleyheath · Independent Fostering Agency

Types:

Allowance: —

No reviews

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

Coram Fostering ServiceOfsted: Outstanding

Locally runLondon · Charity

Types:

Allowance: —

No reviews

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

Daffodils FosteringOfsted: Good

Locally runStanmore · Independent Fostering Agency

Types:

Allowance: —

No reviews

Diagrama FosteringOfsted: Good

Locally runCroydon · Charity

Types:

Allowance: —

No reviews

Diversity Foster CareOfsted: Good

Locally runLondon · Independent Fostering Agency

Types:

Allowance: —

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

Family First Fostering AgencyOfsted: Good

Locally runLondon · Independent Fostering Agency

Types:

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

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

FosterCare UKOfsted: Outstanding

NationalCroydon · Independent Fostering Agency

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

Allowance: —

No reviews

Fostering for YouOfsted: Good

Locally runLondon · Independent Fostering Agency

Types:

Allowance: —

No reviews

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

Fostering Support GroupOfsted: Good

Locally runShortlands · Independent Fostering Agency

Types:

Allowance: —

No reviews

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

Hatols Fostering ServiceOfsted: Outstanding

Locally runBromley · Independent Fostering Agency

Types:

Allowance: —

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

Horizon Fostering ServicesOfsted: Good

Locally runKingsbury · Independent Fostering Agency

Types:

Allowance: —

No reviews

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

Indigo FosteringOfsted: Not yet inspected

Locally runCroydon · Independent Fostering Agency

Types:

Allowance: —

No reviews

Infinity Foster CareOfsted: Good

Locally runIlford · Independent Fostering Agency

Types:

Allowance: —

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

Lotus Foster CareOfsted: Good

Locally runCroydon · Independent Fostering Agency

Types:

Allowance: —

No reviews

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

MMR Fostering LimitedOfsted: Not yet inspected

Locally runLondon · Independent Fostering Agency

Types:

Allowance: —

No reviews

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

Nurture FosteringOfsted: Good

Locally runLondon · Independent Fostering Agency

Types:

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

Parent and Child Fostering ServiceOfsted: Good

Locally runWembley · Independent Fostering Agency

Types:

Allowance: —

No reviews

Phoenix Community CareOfsted: Good

Locally runLondon · Independent Fostering Agency

Types:

Allowance: —

No reviews

Rainbow Fostering ServicesOfsted: Outstanding

Locally runHarrow · Independent Fostering Agency

Types:

Allowance: —

No reviews

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

Regional Fostering ServicesOfsted: Good

Locally runUxbridge · Independent Fostering Agency

Types:

Allowance: —

No reviews

Rising Stars FosteringOfsted: Good

Locally runIlford · Independent Fostering Agency

Types:

Allowance: —

No reviews

Ryancare FosteringOfsted: Good

Locally runWanstead · Independent Fostering Agency

Types:

Allowance: —

No reviews

Shared Care ServicesOfsted: Good

Locally runIlford · Independent Fostering Agency

Types:

Allowance: —

No reviews

Shining Stars Fostering AgencyOfsted: Outstanding

Locally runCroydon · Independent Fostering Agency

Types:

Allowance: —

No reviews

Silver Lining FosteringOfsted: Outstanding

Locally runBrentford · Independent Fostering Agency

Types:

Allowance: —

No reviews

South Coast FosteringOfsted: Outstanding

NationalLondon · Independent Fostering Agency

Types:

Allowance: —

No reviews

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

Stepping Stones FosteringOfsted: Good

Locally runIlford · Independent Fostering Agency

Types:

Allowance: —

No reviews

Subari Foster CareOfsted: Good

Locally runCroydon · Independent Fostering Agency

Types:

Allowance: —

No reviews

Sure Start Fostering AgencyOfsted: Good

Locally runIlford · Independent Fostering Agency

Types:

Allowance: —

No reviews

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

Synergy FosteringOfsted: Good

Locally runLondon · Independent Fostering Agency

Types:

Allowance: —

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: Outstanding

NationalLondon · Independent Fostering Agency

Types:

Allowance: —

No reviews

Thrive FosteringOfsted: Not yet inspected

Locally runHarrow · Independent Fostering Agency

Types:

Allowance: —

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

Wellcare Fostering ServicesOfsted: Good

Locally runIlford · Independent Fostering Agency

Types:

Allowance: —

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.

Ready when you are

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.

Begin shortlisting

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 →

Two children sitting together on a bench with the London skyline visible behind them

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.

Read the guide →

Frequently Asked Questions About Fostering in London

Learn more about how Foster Care Compare works.