BACK TO BLOGThe number of foster carers in the UK has been steadily declining for years. Government stats show that numbers are trending downwards.
This is, of course, concerning; without a sufficient number of foster carers, young people growing up in foster care may not have access to the support they need to thrive.
However, we do not want this to be an overly negative message, as amidst these challenges, there is hope. Government efforts, such as the ongoing North East Pathfinder – an initiative aimed at improving foster carer recruitment – are paving the way for positive change. While we’re still waiting to see the stats from the Pathfinder, we’re hopeful that it will deliver promising results.
For now, it’s important that we continue to look forwards – addressing the decline in foster carer recruitment. It’s our job to ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive. Today, we’ll be exploring common concerns voiced by prospective carers, and what support is available to foster carers to support them on this journey.
1. “There is too much financial pressure on foster carers.”
Financial pressure is a very valid concern for many prospective foster carers. It’s no secret that the cost of living has made financial stability a top worry for many of us, and while fostering allowances are designed to cover the costs of caring for a child, some remain anxious about whether this will be enough.
The good news? There is a wealth of financial support available. Foster carers receive allowances that vary depending on the child’s needs and location, and many local authorities offer additional financial incentives. For example, some provide grants for initial setup costs, while others offer bonuses for fostering siblings or children with complex needs.
Ruth Willetts, Head of Social Work and Development at FosterTalk, had this to say:
“Financial concerns are valid, and it’s perfectly natural to worry about money, but many prospective foster carers don’t realise that there is a wide range of financial support available to carers in the UK. We encourage all prospective carers to ask about what allowances, fees, grants and support systems are there to help you focus on what truly matters – providing a loving home for a child in need, when exploring becoming a foster carer
We encourage anyone considering fostering to reach out to local fostering services to discuss the myriad of support that is on offer including financial.”
2.“I’m not foster carer material”
Unfortunately, there are many myths that surround becoming a foster carer. Many people believe they need to be married, own a home, or have prior childcare experience to become foster carers. These misconceptions can deter potential applicants who might otherwise be excellent candidates.
The reality is that foster carers come from all walks of life. Single, married, renting, or homeowners – what matters most is your ability to provide a stable, nurturing environment for a child.
We’ve debunked many of the most common myths that surround foster care. You can learn more by clicking here.
Unfortunately, many potentially fantastic foster carers don’t apply because they think they won’t make the cut. This creates a deficit of available local foster carers, meaning that many young people entering into foster care are taken far away from where they grew up, placed in care 20 miles or more away from their home. This happens to over 18,000 children a year.
If you’ve been considering foster care, but you’re not sure if you’re right for the role, we highly recommend getting in touch with some local fostering services and asking the question – chances are, you’ll surprise yourself! The more foster carers there are, the more likely children will be able to remain close to their communities, which allows them to stay surrounded by their friends, teachers and peers.
3. “Being a foster carer is too challenging.”
Fostering is undeniably rewarding, but it can also be emotionally demanding.
Many potential foster carers express concerns around handling complex behaviours and other issues associated with children who live with foster carers. Again, these are valid concerns, but with the right support, any challenge can be managed effectively.
For example, at FosterTalk, we provide ongoing training, peer support networks, and access to mental health resources to help foster carers feel confident and supported in their roles.
Jacqui Hutchinson, foster carer and author, had this to say about what advice she’d give to new and potential foster carers:
“You’ve got this, just take some deep breaths. You are changing lives one child at a time, showing love and joy where you can. It’s not an easy job at times, and can be thankless, but make no mistake, what you’re doing in these children’s lives is profound. You will 100% get too attached, and it will be the hardest, most rewarding thing that you will ever do.
Every single child is worth the attachment.”
4. “The approval process is daunting.”
While yes, the process of becoming a foster carer is thorough, as it should be, local authorities and fostering agencies are increasingly focused on making the process as smooth and supportive as possible.
From initial enquiries to final approval, you’ll be guided every step of the way, ensuring that you feel confident and ready to welcome a child into your home.
Reports from fostering services state that it takes typically around 5-6 months to be approved as a foster carer. In this time, you’re able to learn, prepare and build a strong foundation for your fostering journey.
We don’t like to think of the approval process as daunting. Instead, it’s an opportunity for you to develop the skills you’ll need to thrive as a foster carer.
So, what next?
Yes, the decline in foster carer numbers is a cause for concern, but we know that there are many wonderful potential foster carers out there, and with government support and funding, we can turn the negative trend around.
If you’re considering doing an amazing thing and becoming a foster carer – firstly, thank you! We recommend getting in touch with Fosterline. Click here to learn more.
We also recommend searching for ‘local fostering services’ on your preferred search engine. It’s important that you find a local authority or fostering agency that aligns with your values, so we encourage everyone to look around and learn what’s available to you.
Finally, if you’d like to talk to a member of the FosterTalk team about what kind of support is available to foster carers, click here, or give us a ring on 0121 758 5013.
