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Thousands of vulnerable children in England rely on foster care, a vital system that has come under increasing scrutiny due to rising costs and the growing influence of private providers. With nearly 55,000 children currently living with foster families, the government has unveiled new plans to bolster the fostering network by creating an additional 10,000 non-profit placements by 2029. While these proposals are a step in the right direction, many experts question whether they will truly remedy the systemic issues that continue to plague children’s social care.
Growing Need for Foster Carers
The Department for Education’s latest initiative, spearheaded by Children’s Minister Josh MacAlister, aims to recruit more individuals to open their homes to those in need. MacAlister, who previously led a review of the sector, compared this recruitment drive to the successful Homes for Ukraine scheme, where nearly 74,000 people volunteered to host refugees. With around one-third of existing foster carers aged over 60, attracting new talent to this crucial role is imperative.
However, this initiative alone will not resolve the challenges within the fostering system. The accompanying proposals include enhancing collaboration between local councils, providing grants for experienced foster carers to adapt their homes to accommodate more children, and exploring alternative placements for young people on remand. These measures aim to create a more supportive environment for both foster families and the children they care for.
Support Systems in Need of Enhancement
Among the proposed reforms, fostering networks designed to offer peer support and practical assistance like temporary respite care stand out as particularly beneficial. The need for a smoother approval process for prospective foster carers is another sensible suggestion, especially given that the current timeframe can be significantly longer than that for adopting children.
Moreover, it is vital that foster carers’ voices are included in decisions affecting the children in their care. These changes could foster a more stable environment for the children, reducing the disruption caused by frequent changes in social workers and caretakers.
However, fundamental gaps remain in the government’s approach. There is uncertainty surrounding who will spearhead and maintain these initiatives, and the issue of excessive profits taken by private providers—highlighted by the Competition and Markets Authority in 2022—has yet to see substantial action. Promises to address these concerns have, so far, remained largely unfulfilled.
The Importance of Consistency and Support
The need for consistency in social services cannot be overstated. In 2026, it is disheartening that the government must articulate the basic principle that children and families benefit from stable relationships with social workers. Ensuring the retention of skilled social workers is essential to providing the continuity that looked-after children desperately need.
Last year, the Institute for Government rated children’s social care favourably in its assessment of public services, reflecting some positive strides under Sir Keir Starmer’s administration. With a funding boost of £555 million over two years, there are signs of progress. However, as the system remains fragile, merely recruiting more foster carers will not suffice. Without clear leadership, measures to curb profit-taking, and a focus on maintaining stable social work teams, the fostering system will continue to face significant challenges.
Why it Matters
The future of children in care is at a critical juncture. With systemic reforms in children’s fostering desperately needed, the government’s recent proposals represent a glimmer of hope. However, without comprehensive strategies to tackle the underlying issues—such as profit-driven motives in foster care and the need for stable support systems—the changes may only provide a temporary fix. The lives of thousands of vulnerable children hang in the balance, and it is imperative that all stakeholders commit to building a robust and compassionate fostering environment that prioritises the well-being of every child.
