Action pledged to reverse decline in foster carer numbers in England
Plans designed to reverse the decline in foster carer households in England have been announced (30 December) by the UK Government following figures, published by regulator Ofsted, that showed a 10% decline from 2021 to 2025.
The Department for Education, which has responsibility for the care and protection of children in England, outlined proposed new reforms which aim to deliver a “sustainable, high-quality fostering system” by both increasing the number of available foster families in England and ensuring there is support for existing carers. Specific measures include:
- Expanding who can become a foster carer, so that those with full-time jobs or families can offer foster care;
- Gathering insights from foster carers and practitioners to inform any measures put in place; and
- Providing better support for foster carers.
The UK Government’s Minister for Children and Families, Josh MacAlister, said:
“Fostering changes lives – not just for children who need safety, stability and love, but for the families who open their homes to them.
“We know the number of foster carers has been falling, and that is why this government will be taking decisive action to give stable and loving homes to children that need them.”
A consultation on the measures is to be launched in early 2026.