The government has set out a renewed national push to recruit up to 10,000 more foster families across England as part of wider reforms to children’s social care.
The report, Renewing Fostering, homes for 10,000 more children, makes clear what many fostering services already know, foster care remains the backbone of the care system, but there are not enough foster families to meet the needs of children who need safe, stable homes.
The report highlights several key issues facing foster care across England.
First, while the number of children coming into care continues to rise, the number of approved foster carers nationally has fallen in recent years. This has created a widening gap between the number of children who need foster homes and the number of families available to care for them.
Second, the report recognises that fostering is complex and demanding work, and that carers need the right support, training and recognition to be able to continue. It calls for better retention of existing carers alongside improved recruitment, rather than focusing only on attracting new people into fostering.
Third, the report stresses the importance of local foster care. Children do best when they can stay close to their communities, schools and support networks, and this is only possible when there are enough foster families in the right places.
Finally, the report is clear that fostering should never be oversimplified. Honest information, realistic expectations and strong professional support are essential to making fostering work well for children and carers alike.
Where Hull Fostering is already ahead of the game
At Hull Fostering, much of what the national report calls for is already part of how we work.
We focus on honest, child-centred information so that people considering fostering understand what the role involves before they apply. We invest in training and support for our existing foster carers, recognising that retention is just as important as recruitment. We work hard to place children locally wherever possible, so they can stay connected to their schools, friends and communities.
We also know that fostering looks different for different families. That is why we talk openly about the range of fostering opportunities available, including short-term, long-term, emergency and specialist care, and help people explore what might work realistically for them and their household.
Despite this, the gap remains
Even with these strengths, Hull is not immune to the national challenge.
We still do not have enough foster carers to meet the needs of all the children who need a home, particularly for older children, sibling groups and children with additional needs. This means that some children may have to wait longer for the right match, or may need to be moved further away than we would like.
The national report reinforces what we see locally, recruitment alone is not the answer. We need more people in Hull and within 30 miles who are willing to explore fostering, supported by clear information, realistic conversations and a strong professional network around them.
What this means for Hull families
If you have ever thought about fostering, even briefly, this national drive is a reminder that your interest genuinely matters. You do not need to be perfect, but you do need to be open, patient and willing to work as part of a team around a child.
Hull Fostering is here to provide facts, not pressure. We believe people make the best decisions when they are properly informed, and when fostering is explained honestly and respectfully.
This national focus on fostering is welcome, but real change happens locally, one conversation, one enquiry and one foster family at a time.
If you want to understand what fostering looks like in Hull, what support is available and whether it could be right for you, our team is always happy to talk.
Please email us at fostering@hullcc.gov.uk or call us on 01482 612 800 (option 2).