Fostering in the UK: A 2024 Perspective

By Shanta Allen MBACP, Therapeutic Counsellor & Foster

Fostering in the UK in 2024 presents a unique blend of challenges and rewards. While the landscape has evolved over the years, the fundamental need for loving homes for children who cannot live with their family remains constant.

There is a national shortage of foster homes in the UK. According to the Fostering Network, 6,500 more fostering families are currently needed as the number of children in care continues to rise while the number of fostering households decrease. 

 The shortage of fostering families continues to be a pressing issue, especially for children with complex needs as it can lead to children being placed in unsuitable homes. 

Are you thinking about becoming a foster carer? 

There are many adverts that tell you all you need is love and a spare room. You will need much more than that. To make a profound difference in a child’s life, you will need to be able to advocate for them, become their safe base and be resilient. Regardless of the reason why a child may have entered the care system, living away from their birth family can be a traumatic loss for a child. They will need foster carers who can help them navigate and process this loss. 

There is also a need for specialist foster carers who can look after children with complex medical needs, who can be a dedicated person in that child’s life. 

There are many who think welcoming a foster child into your home is like having an additional birth child. It isn’t. There may be challenges that you have never encountered before, however, with the right support, training and guidance, foster carers can make a significant impact on the life of a foster child. And yours. Knowing you are making a difference is rewarding. You will receive ongoing training and support to help you parent therapeutically as you become the child’s unwavering pillar of strength. 

If you are considering becoming a foster carer and would like to receive guidance on the process, or have questions you would like to ask, feel free to contact us at The Susan Vickers Foundation.