Permanent Fostering Campaign

What?

The London Borough of Richmond upon Thames is launching a drive to recruit more permanent foster carers.

Why?

Many young people have had a difficult start in life or may have recently gone through a personal crisis. If they cannot be looked after by their parents, they need a new family who can support and care for them until they reach adulthood.

Young people in need of permanent fostering often have friends and schools that they don’t want to leave behind, so we need permanent foster carers to come forward who can offer these young people the stability and security of a loving home in the local area.

Who?

Foster carers come from all walks of life and backgrounds. The most important thing you need is the patience and understanding to help a young person through difficult times and encourage them to fulfil their potential. You also need to have a spare room in your home and enough time in your life to offer care and support to a young person.

The minimum age is 21 and you would not normally be considered beyond the age of 68. We welcome foster carers who already have some parenting experience - many permanent foster carers choose to foster when their own children have grown up or left home. However, you do not need to have children of your own to be a foster carer.

How?

Permanent foster carers receive extensive training and regular support from the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames Fostering Team. They are also paid a weekly allowance to cover the costs of caring for a young person. If you are interested in finding out more about permanent fostering, please contact the Fostering Team to find out more. We will send you an information pack and talk to you about what is involved in being a permanent foster carer.

Contact us

You can contact us by

Telephone: 08000857072 (Freephone) or 02088917754 (office hours);
Email: fostering.info@richmond.gov.uk;
Or you can take a look at our fostering section.