The Fostering Network recently published their latest State of the Nations’ Foster Care report. The report summarises the responses from a UK-wide survey of over 3,000 fostering services and current and former foster carers. Painting a stark yet all-too-familiar picture, the results show that the demand for foster carers continues to grow, but so does the number of carers leaving the sector.
At Flourish, we know that foster carers are the backbone of the sector, offering vulnerable children the stability, care and support they urgently need. That’s why we are committed to championing meaningful, systemic improvements that provide the resources and recognition they need.
With over 100,000 children in care in the UK - and three-quarters of these in foster care - foster carers provide an essential lifeline, providing stability and care. This latest report, however, shows that existing pressures in the system have continued to grow, alongside the cost of living and the challenges children and young people face. While these findings are concerning, we echo The Fostering Network’s call to action: now is not the time to lose hope, but to push for greater investment in this vital sector.
The report reinforces the importance of recognising foster carers as essential members of the team around a child, ensuring they have the tools, training, and support to continue making a difference.
Empowering Foster Carers Through Training
A key insight from the report is the widely agreed consensus for enhanced, standardised training and development opportunities for foster carers.
As in the previous report in 2021, the latest findings show that the top three factors attracting people to a fostering service are the quality of support, the opportunity to care for local children in their community, and the training available.
A well-defined learning and development (L&D) plan is crucial for foster carers to provide appropriate, trauma-informed support. However, only 53% of foster carers report having an agreed L&D plan, and the number of responses ranking their training as excellent or good has decreased since 2021 – highlighting a gap that urgently needs addressing.
Training for foster carers varies across different services and regions in the UK, yet the appetite for specialised training is clear. Many survey responses to the survey called for more advanced training or formal qualifications. These were particularly related to training around children’s needs, including around therapeutic care, mental health, communication needs, and equality, diversity and inclusion.
While many responses highlighted gaps in training, the biggest challenge was access. Even when training is available, many foster carers find it difficult to attend due to schedule conflicts. The respondents called for a blend of face-to-face and online formats, allowing them to continue their learning journeys at the times which suit them, while also benefiting from in-person training and networking when possible.
At Flourish, we fully support The Fostering Network’s call for a standardised, accredited training framework – ensuring all foster carers receive high-quality training tailored to their needs. Furthermore, we believe that training must be accessible and flexible, so that it can be truly supportive.
From handing allegations and safeguarding to supporting mental health and neurodiversity awareness, all foster care training must be accessible, inclusive and rooted in an attachment-aware, therapeutic approach.
Recognising and Appreciating Foster Carers
Despite the challenges of the role, 89% of foster carers said their main motivation was to make a difference in children’s lives. This dedication to supporting vulnerable children is truly inspiring, and should be met with an equal investment in carer wellbeing and development.
It’s essential that foster carers receive greater recognition for their vital role in society, along with the resources and support needed to manage the challenges they face. Investing in their wellbeing not only helps them navigate these pressures but also ensures they can continue providing the best possible care for the young people they support.
Opportunities for the Future
While this latest State of the Nation’s Foster Care report presents real challenges, it also highlights the current moment of opportunity. With new policies and legislation surrounding children’s social care on the horizon, now is the time to advocate for the sector more than ever before.
The Fostering Network’s 2021 report played a key role in securing increased government investment in foster care across the UK. We hope that this latest survey will have a similar impact, driving meaningful change and ensuring foster carers receive the support they urgently need.
