Government pledges to reverse decline in foster carer numbers
Published
The government has committed to reverse the decline in foster carer numbers and support the retention of existing foster carers
Vulnerable children in the care system in England will be provided with more stable and loving homes, thanks to government plans to radically accelerate foster carer recruitment. The latest figures published by Ofsted highlight the scale of the challenge inherited by this government. At the end of March 2025, there were 33,435 fostering households – a 10% decline since 2021.
Foster carer recruitment is a key area of government reform, with the package of measures addressing the urgent need for more places for children in the social care system.
Foster carer recruitment is a key area of government reform, with the package of measures addressing the urgent need for more places for children in the social care system.
Children in care deserve the same things as every other child: loving relationships, a safe home and support throughout their life that sets them up to meet their ambitions – and these are the things they tell me they want. Too often they are denied these things because of a shortage of safe, caring homes.
You can read more about this here: Government pledges to reverse decline in foster carer numbers - GOV.UK
We look forward to seeing the impact of the new reforms and funding in 2026.