Fostering
Change a Kingston teenager’s life – and your own !
We are currently recruiting foster carers for children of all age groups but in particular, those who can look after young people over 12 years.
Want to put that spare bedroom to good use and thinking of fostering ? You've come to the right place. You'll find lots of information about fostering for us on these pages (see the menu on the left hand side). Then, when you're ready, get in touch with us by completing our online form below, or you can phone or email us. We know that making the decision to foster doesn't happen overnight, so we don't expect you to commit to anything at this stage. It's simply a matter of finding out if fostering is right for you.
Register your Interest in fostering - complete our online form
Talk to us: 020 8547 6042/5004
Email: fostering@rbk.kingston.gov.uk
Follow Kingston Fostering and Adoption on Facebook - 'Like' us! See the link at the bottom of this page.
“Fostering is varied, sometimes challenging, often rewarding but ultimately enjoyable - if it wasn't we wouldn't be doing it!”
Peter, Kingston foster carer
Fostering for Kingston
Foster carers are people who provide a safe place to stay for babies, children and young people up to 18 years who are in Local Authority care.
They look after children in their own homes on a full-time basis, or part-time at weekends and sometimes during school holidays.
As a Kingston foster carer you’ll receive a generous fee and allowance, paid every four weeks while a child or young person is with you.
Children live with foster carers as part of the family. It is usually a short-term arrangement before a child returns home, moves to relatives or is adopted but some children remain in long-term foster care until they are 18.
Most of our foster carers live in or around Kingston, which means that the children we look after can stay close to the people and places they know and remain at the same school. Wherever possible, we also try to match children with foster carers who reflect their cultural heritage and other needs.
There’s lots of training and you’ll have the full support of the fostering team. As a Kingston foster carer you’ll also have the satisfaction of being part of a group of highly-valued families and individuals who provide a better start for the local children in our care.
“Fostering is like a roller coaster ride, it has its ups & downs, but never ceases to thrill!” – Tricia, Kingston Foster Carer
“Little people always make you smile, even when it’s been a challenging day.” Sharon, Kingston Foster Carer
Kingston foster carer's own story
Tricia Connolly was one of three Kingston foster carers to be honoured for services to fostering by London's Mayor, Boris Johnson, during Foster Care Fortnight 2011. In a short clip filmed by Fostering Network at City Hall, Tricia talks about why she became a foster carer and what fostering means to her. You can see the clip by following the link below.
Kingston Foster Carer Tricia Connolly talks about why she became a foster carer
Kingston Foster Carers' Recipe Collection 2011
Looking for child-friendly recipe ideas? Take a look at our foster carers' suggestions for meals, snacks and treats. They've all been tried and tested by children or young people! Download your copy of the Kingston Foster Carers' Recipe Collection below.
Contact us
Telephone: 020 8547 6042 / 5004
Email: fostering@rbk.kingston.gov.uk