Greater London

Barking & Dagenham

Adoption and Fostering
The Placement Service in Barking and Dagenham locates and coordinates suitable placements for children who need to be looked after. This is achieved jointly between the Adoption and Fostering service.

www.barking-dagenham.gov.uk

Adoption Service
Adoption is the legal process by which a child becomes the legal responsibility of another family. Find out about Adoption and the services available to potential families.

Fostering
Make a difference to the life of a child

Welcome, we appreciate your interest
Sadly each year there are many children and young people in Barking and Dagenham who cannot live at home.

This may be for a number of reasons but in every case the Placement Team tries to find them a suitable family setting as identical to their own as possible.

In order to achieve this we need a constant supply of local people from all backgrounds, cultures and ethnic groups who are willing to take on the task of caring for somebody else's child.

There is no doubt that fostering a child or young person is a difficult task, but at the same time very rewarding.

If you can provide a safe, secure and loving family home environment, you could foster a child or young person.

If you think that that's you, we would love to hear from you.

We need more foster carers in Barking and Dagenham. We offer personal and professional development, support, and an excellent financial package to help foster carers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fostering
 
Can I foster and still work?
Depending on the age of the child and their needs it is sometimes difficult for carers both to work and to meet the needs of the child. You need to think about before and after school and school holidays.  
 
However, working people may wish to consider helping on a respite basis i.e. at weekends.
 
Do I need to be married to become a foster carer?
No, it's not necessary to be married. Cohabiting couples and single people can apply. However, you might want to give some thought about the support network that you have: who could you turn to for advice and support if the going gets tough with a particular placement.
 
What about my age?
For most foster carers it is important they have had some life experience and so we generally prefer them to be at least 25. There is no upper age limit.
 
What if I don't live in a house?
It does not matter whether you live in a house or flat as long as you have the facilities that you need to look after a child or young person. We like to ensure that children and young people have their own bedroom wherever possible. children and young people need a safe and caring environment to grow up in. Teenagers in particular need their own space.
 
What if I have a criminal record?
Having a criminal record does not necessarily exclude someone from becoming a foster carer. If you have a past or current offence you should discuss it with the assessment social worker if you decide to proceed with your application.
 
What if I haven't got children myself?
We need different carers for different children. Sometimes not having other children in the placement in beneficial for the foster child.