North London Fostering Hub launch seeks to increase foster carer numbers
The partnership, led by Camden Council and involving six boroughs, aims to recruit, support and retain foster carers so children can stay close to families, schools and communities.
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The hub was unveiled at a ceremony in Camden this week, according to the Times Series. Camden Council is acting as the lead authority, while the other five boroughs have signed a formal partnership. The initiative targets residents of the six councils who are interested in becoming foster carers, as well as children currently placed in care across the area.
Why the hub matters
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Local authorities have warned that a shortage of foster placements forces children to move far from their schools and support networks. By pooling resources, the six councils hope to streamline the application process, provide consistent training and offer ongoing assistance. The government’s national fostering reform programme underpins the hub, aiming to make fostering more accessible to ordinary people who may not have prior childcare experience.
Launch event and statements
During the launch, Councillor Georgia Twigg of Haringey Council explained that the hub will bring together expertise from all six boroughs. She said the collaboration will allow children to remain in familiar environments while receiving high‑quality care. Minister Josh MacAlister, who travelled to Camden for the event, stressed that fostering changes lives for both children and carers. He urged anyone with the right values and commitment to consider fostering, noting that thousands of children currently need stable placements.
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“Helping children grow up in safe, stable, and loving homes is one of the most important responsibilities we have.”
Georgia Twigg, Haringey Council cabinet member for children and schools
How the hub will operate
The hub will host a shared online portal where prospective carers can explore fostering, submit applications and track progress. Once approved, carers will receive a standard training package and a dedicated support officer from the council that processed their application. Existing carers will have access to refresher courses and peer‑support groups coordinated across the six boroughs. By using a common framework, the hub aims to reduce duplication and ensure that support standards are consistent throughout North London.
Next steps for residents
People interested in fostering can register their interest on the hub’s website, which was launched alongside the announcement. The site provides contact details for each borough’s fostering team and outlines upcoming information sessions. Councils have said they will review applications on a rolling basis and will keep the public informed of recruitment targets through quarterly updates.
Questions this report answers
+What is the North London Fostering Hub?
The hub is a partnership of six North London boroughs, led by Camden Council, created to recruit, support and retain foster carers. It provides a single application portal, shared training and ongoing assistance to keep children close to their local communities.
+Which boroughs are part of the hub?
Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Hackney, Haringey and Islington have joined the hub. Each council contributes resources and staff to the joint service, allowing residents of any of these areas to apply for fostering through the shared system.
+What does the hub aim to achieve for children?
The hub’s goal is to increase the number of foster placements so that children can remain in familiar schools and neighbourhoods. By simplifying the process and improving support for carers, it seeks to reduce the need for children to be moved far from home.
+How can I get involved or apply to foster?
Interested residents can visit the hub’s website, which launched with the announcement, to register interest and access contact details for each borough’s fostering team. The site also lists upcoming information sessions and outlines the steps required to submit an application.
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