The Government has unveiled a plan to recruit up to 10,000 new foster carers in England this Parliament, aiming to reverse a sharp decline in approved carers.
The policy is backed by £88m in funding to modernise fostering, widen eligibility, and strengthen support for carers and children alike.
The move responds to a critical shortage of foster carers that has left many children placed far from home or in costly residential settings.
According to the Local Government Association, residential care costs councils a total of £4.7bn in 2022/23.
Recruitment efforts will focus on attracting a more diverse range of households by making clear that carers don't have to be married, homeowners, or not working full time to foster.
Minister for Children and Families, Josh MacAlister, said: ‘We’re bringing fostering into the 21st century, removing outdated rules and unnecessary barriers to become foster carers as part of our overhaul of the care system.’
Sarah Thomas, chief executive of The Fostering Network, said: ‘We’re really pleased to see this much-needed focus on foster care. For the past four years, more foster carers have been leaving than joining, as increasing pressures within an overstretched children’s social care system continue to impact on children.’
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