Plymouth Needs 26 Foster Parents by 2026

Plymouth faces a critical shortage of foster parents, with a campaign launched to recruit 26 new families by 2026. As of 2026, more than 520 children in the city are in the care system, supported by only about 120 fostering households. This shortfall means children are often placed in homes far from their familiar surroundings.

Grant Calder, who was fostered in Plymouth at age 12, emphasized the profound positive impact foster care had on his life, stating it made a significant difference compared to his earlier experience in a children's home. He is now encouraging families to consider fostering, highlighting the crucial role it plays in a child's development.

The initiative is a joint effort by Plymouth City Council, Foster for Plymouth, and churches across the city. Organizations like Safe Families and Home for Good are supporting the recruitment drive. Hamish and Rachel McDonald, who have been fostering since 2003, shared their rewarding experiences, acknowledging the challenges but stressing the importance of support systems and empathy.