Almost three-quarters of foster carers share the same values set, according to a new report published by the Fostering Network charity.

The report, Why Foster Carers Care, is based on findings from a Department for Education (DfE) survey of 2,700 foster families.

According to the survey that used a system of psychographic profiling known as Values Modes, 73 per cent are characterised by a confidence and need to help, against a UK-wide average of 42%.

The report challenges fostering services to widen their pool of carers to meet the diverse needs of children in the care system.

James Foyle, recruitment and retention consultant at the Fostering Network, said: ‘The reason the DfE has funded this project is because they are keen to widen the demographics of those who become foster carers.

‘Over the next 15 months, the Fostering Network will be supporting 25 local authorities to use the Values Modes approach to attract and retain people to fill the gaps in their foster carer workforce.’