Fostering
Fostering is caring for children and young people in your own home on behalf of the council, whilst their own parents are unable to.
There are hundreds of children and young people in Lambeth who, for a variety of reasons, cannot stay with their own parents.
These children and young people need the benefit of an ordinary family life, until it's time for them to return home, move to a new permanent family or move on to independent living.
We are looking for foster carers with diverse backgrounds, race, religion, language, ethnicity, gender and sexuality, to reflect the diversity of the children who need care.
You do not need to be married, own your own home, have children, be young or female.
The important things are a real commitment and willingness to learn about and understand the needs of children and young people, the stability and energy to provide high quality care, flexibility and 'stickability'.
Fostering can be complex, challenging and demanding but the Lambeth Fostering Team, along with various social workers and other professionals will support you.
They will be working with you, the child or young person, and their families where possible, towards a care plan.
It can be extremely rewarding to see children or young people in your care thrive and move on in a positive way.
For an informal discussion about fostering and adoption, come along to our monthly drop-in sessions at Lambeth Town Hall.
On this page you can find information about the assessment process for fostering.
On this page you can find information about the aims of the fostering service at Lambeth.
On this page you will find information about the main precluding factors to fostering. These are factors that may result in an unsuccessful application to become a foster carer.
On this page you will find information about the qualities we look for in prospective foster carers.
On this page you can find information about the support we can offer you when become a foster carer.
There are a range of tasks and responsibilities that are part of the fostering role.
Children and young people are fostered for many reasons, and because of this Lambeth offers a variety of services to meet these needs.
Contact us
To begin a discussion with us about fostering, please submit the register my interest form or call our freephone number: 0800 952 2926.
Frequently Asked Questions
More Questions and answers on the FAQ page.