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Foster Care Crisis: Carer Numbers Plummet, Children Need Homes
19 Oct
Summary
- Foster carer numbers dropped 12% since 2021 as demand for places rose.
- A government campaign aims to recruit 10,000 new foster care places.
- Bristol and Somerset saw a 35% increase in children needing care.
- The government campaign seeks to attract carers from diverse backgrounds.
The number of individuals offering foster care has declined by 12% since 2021, contrasting with a persistent rise in children needing placements. In response, the government has launched a campaign to secure an additional 10,000 foster care spots. This initiative emphasizes regional fostering hubs and aims to attract carers from diverse backgrounds.
Amy Burns, now 26 and from Bristol, entered foster care at 14. She credits her foster parents with providing the stability and love that transformed her life, enabling her to pursue higher education and a media career. Her experience underscores the critical need for foster families.
The shortage of foster carers means more young people are being placed in children's homes. In Bristol and Somerset alone, the number of children in care has increased by 35% over the past seven years. Experts highlight that foster care generally yields better outcomes for children.
Children and Families Minister Josh MacAlister stated that more people, including those in their 20s to 40s and even those seeking part-time fostering, can now consider becoming carers. New funding of £88 million is being allocated to clarify guidelines and support recruitment efforts.
