Thousands of vulnerable children across the UK are facing growing uncertainty as charities warn the fostering system is struggling under increasing pressure.
New figures released by The Fostering Network show an urgent need for an additional 6,000 foster carers nationwide, with campaigners warning that without greater support many more experienced carers could leave the sector altogether.
The warning comes during Foster Care Fortnight, the annual campaign aimed at highlighting the importance of fostering and the challenges facing those who provide care for children and young people.
According to the charity, the number of foster carers across the UK has been declining since 2021, placing mounting strain on services already struggling to meet demand.
Foster carers say financial pressures, inconsistent support and a lack of recognition within the wider care system are contributing to worsening morale and increasing numbers leaving the role.
Leigh Strange, who has spent 27 years as a foster carer, said many carers feel unsupported during difficult periods.
“The danger is when foster carers don’t feel listened to and can’t get support at a crisis point—they leave,” she said. “Newer carers are especially vulnerable during their first few years.”
She warned that the consequences are being felt most sharply by children, many of whom have already experienced trauma and instability before entering care.
Charities say shortages of foster carers can lead to children being moved unexpectedly, placed far from their local communities or separated from siblings due to a lack of suitable placements.
Campaigners argue that stability is essential for children recovering from difficult experiences, but say achieving that stability is becoming increasingly difficult.
Financial support also remains a major concern. While foster carers receive allowances and fees, organisations say payments are often inconsistent and insufficient given the demands of the role.
“Children need stability,” Leigh added. “If carers aren’t paid adequately, it limits what they can provide and the opportunities they can give to the children in their care.”
The Fostering Network is now calling on the Government to place equal focus on retaining existing carers alongside recruiting new ones, warning that recruitment alone will not solve the crisis.
The charity is also calling for the introduction of a UK-wide register of foster carers, which it says would improve professional recognition and help local authorities identify available placements more quickly.
Sarah Thomas, Chief Executive of The Fostering Network, said foster carers provide an essential public service that deserves far greater support.
“We currently need thousands more foster carers across the UK to meet the needs of children,” she said. “But this is about far more than numbers. Foster carers cannot provide stability without proper support themselves.”
While Government plans to create 10,000 additional foster placements by 2029 have been welcomed, charities warn that without stronger measures to retain experienced carers, the system risks losing vital knowledge and continuity.
For many involved in fostering, the message is becoming increasingly urgent: supporting foster carers properly is not simply about recruitment targets, but about ensuring vulnerable children have the stable homes they need to thrive.
