Fostering : Why choose Merton Fostering?

We have decades of experience in finding and supporting foster carers and were recently rated 'Good' with 'Outstanding' features by Ofsted.

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We support our foster carers using the Mockingbird Family Model, an innovative approach based on the idea of an extended family, which brings significant benefits to foster children and carers.

Ongoing benefits of fostering for Merton include:

Your own supervising social worker

You will be allocated your own supervising social worker (SSW). Their job is to supervise and support foster carers in looking after foster children and working with their families and other professionals involved in children's lives.

Out-of-hours support

We offer 24-hour support from a duty social worker if you have any concerns after the office closes on an evening or at a weekend.

Support groups

Merton's Foster Carer Association meets regularly and offers mutual support, friendship and skill sharing.

Fostering Network subscription

Merton pays each carer's individual membership for an annual subscription to the Fostering Network.

Comprehensive ongoing training programme

We offer comprehensive training for all carers before they are approved. After approval, courses on all aspects of fostering run throughout the year.

Generous fostering allowance for each child placed with you

This is based on the age and needs of the child, and covers all costs including clothes, food, travel, pocket money, special equipment and wear and tear to your home, plus a contribution toward your outgoings and bills.

Outings and events

Events are organised for foster carers throughout the year such as the Foster Carer Reception at a five star hotel and the Foster Carer Christmas Party.

Buddy scheme

Merton runs a buddying scheme for all newly approved foster carers.

Five reasons to choose Merton Fostering

1. Be first in the queue

The first port of call for children who need fostering in Merton is Merton Fostering. Only children that we cannot find homes for with our own carers are placed with other agencies. Our foster carers therefore are given priority when we need to find a placement for a Merton child.

2. Work with local children and the local community

Merton foster carers usually offer placements to local children. Merton is a small borough and this means you will get to know the social workers and other members of staff from Merton Council really well. You will build up expertise and contacts that will help you to work with any of the local children you look after in your career as a foster carer with Merton.

3. Do it for the right reasons

Unlike some fostering agencies, being part of a local authority, we do not work to make a profit. Our sole priority is ensuring the best outcomes for the children in our care.

4. Be the best in the field

Because of our experience, we have very high standards. Our training and guidance is second to none. So, you can be assured that if you become an approved foster carer for Merton, you will be amongst some of the best foster carers available.

5. Get the best support

We have two teams of social workers in the fostering service. The first specialises in the assessment of new carers. These social workers will guide you through the approval process from start to finish and ensure that when you are ready for your first placement you are well-prepared.

The second team of social workers specialise in supporting you through your fostering career. They have years of experience of helping foster carers with all manner of children and circumstances. Also, it is important to remember, unlike some agencies, not only do we offer 24-hour support but also this support is from a social worker who specialises in fostering.

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