Why foster with us

Some children are unable to live with their birth family for a variety of reasons. The care of these children falls to the council who help provide a stable and loving home for them with a foster carer or carers.

Foster carers can be an individual, a family or couple (same sex or otherwise). The most important thing is to have a real desire to make a positive impact on a baby, child or young person’s life.

Hounslow has more than 300 children and young people in care who are unable to live with their own family. They come from a diverse range of ethnic, cultural and religious backgrounds.

We need foster carers for children and young people who are in our care. We would particularly welcome applications from those who are interested in fostering teenagers and sibling groups.

What we offer

We believe in recognising and appreciating the dedication and impact of our foster carers. That's why we offer one of the most competitive recruitment and retention packages in all of London. Here's what you can expect when you join:

• Generous allowance: If you foster with Hounslow, you’ll get an allowance of up to £1,130 per fortnight plus outstanding support and ongoing training
• Other financial benefits: We'll refund your Council Tax while a child is in your care, lightening your financial load
• One-off payments: Available throughout the year, for example holiday allowances
• 24/7 telephone support: Such as out of hours fostering duty and the children’s emergency duty team
• Dedicated social worker: Ready to assist whenever you need them
• Foster carers' support groups: Organised opportunities to meet, share experiences and get advice
• Learning, development and training opportunities
• Start up payment: Assistance to buy essentials such as cot beds, bedding, car seats and buggies
• Fostering Network membership: Includes 24-hour helpline, discount for foster carers and much more
• Monthly newsletters: Keep up to date with relevant news, advice and benefits for carers
• Clinical psychotherapist: Professional advice, support and training to stabilse placements
• Health and wellness: Our foster carers enjoy a Fusion leisure pass, granting them free access to the borough's leisure centres and classes
• Family Fun: An annual Merlin pass, granting free entry to 30 of the UK's top attractions, including Legoland, Alton Towers, and Thorpe Park
• Blue Light card: Discounts at hundreds of high street retailers, restaurants and cinemas
• Yearly social event: Join us to celebrate the contribution of foster carers