England launches national campaign to recruit more foster carers
England has launched its first national campaign specifically aimed at recruiting more foster carers. The government wants to create 10,000 new foster places by the end of this Parliament as the number of approved carers has fallen by 12% since 2019 while demand has increased.
The campaign will focus on adults in their 30s and 40s who may have the ability to foster but have not previously considered applying. Department for Education polling found that 66% of people believed they could be suitable foster carers if practical barriers were removed.
The government says £88 million is being used to reform fostering, including £12.4 million for an innovation fund. Eleven selected programmes will test approaches such as weekend and respite fostering, therapeutic training and support for children moving from residential care into family homes where appropriate.
Source
- Department for Education, 14 October 2026
