Fair Ways Supports Government Pledge to Reverse Decline in Foster Carer Numbers 

The UK government has announced a new package of reforms aimed at tackling the ongoing decline in foster carer numbers across England and increasing the availability of loving, stable homes for children in care.  

The initiative is backed by £88 million in funding, aiming to recruit thousands of new foster carers, remove outdated barriers to fostering, broaden eligibility and improve support for existing carers. 

At Fair Ways, fostering lies at the heart of who we are. Since 2002 we have been providing high-quality fostering services across Hampshire and surrounding counties. Helping children to feel safe, supported and loved through life’s most challenging moments. As a charity, we reinvest into services to improve outcomes for children in care, and our fostering service is underpinned by expert, trauma-informed support.  

A Shared Vision for More Foster Carers and Better Support 

The government’s reforms come in response to a significant drop in the number of fostering households, a trend that has made it harder for children to be placed in family-based care and increased reliance on residential settings. The government says more young people are ending up in children’s homes rather than being placed with foster families because of a “critical shortage” of carers. 

Official figures show the number of foster carers fell from 63,890 in 2021 to 56,345 in March 2025 – a 12% drop. 

The new measures aim to remove unnecessary obstacles, improve flexibility for carers with jobs or families, and develop innovative models of fostering informed by frontline experience.  

Children’s Minister Josh MacAlister MP has emphasised the urgency of the situation, saying: 

“Reversing the decline in the number of available foster places is an urgent priority for me because fostering is so vital to our wider mission to give vulnerable children the best possible start in life… Foster carers give children the stable, loving relationships they need to recover from trauma and thrive. If you’ve ever considered fostering, I would urge you to look into this incredible vocation that can transform a child’s life.” 

Positive Local Impact 

Fair Ways strongly welcomes and supports this important step forward. Over the past 12 months, we’ve been actively engaging with local partners, communities and stakeholders to support recruitment and retention of foster carers in our region. Our work includes raising awareness of fostering opportunities, providing robust training and ongoing support to carers, and leading initiatives such as the Fair Ways Fostering Friendly Employer Charter, which encourages local workplaces to adopt supportive policies for carers. 

Portsmouth became the first Fostering Friendly City in the UK, with over 100 local businesses committing to championing foster carers within their workplaces. These collaborative efforts help carers balance their professional and fostering responsibilities, removing a common barrier to fostering.  

Portsmouth City Council also joined forces with Fair Ways in a new partnership, designed to broaden support for foster carers and increase awareness of the vital role they play in the lives of children and young people.

The government’s announcement aligns strongly with the goals we’ve been pursuing at Fair Ways; to grow the pool of foster carers, support them throughout their journey, and ensure that every child who needs a family, finds one. 

How You Can Help 

If you’ve ever considered fostering and want to make a life-changing difference to a child, we’d encourage you to reach out. As a charity based in Hampshire, we’re here to answer questions, guide you through the process and help you understand what fostering involves. Whether you’re curious about how to start, what support is available, or how to fit fostering around work and family life, our team is ready to help. 

To learn more about how you can support children in care, whether through fostering, becoming a Fostering Friendly Employer, or simply finding out more about our services, visit our Fostering Services page.  

Together, by supporting more foster carers and improving the experience of children in care, we can help ensure every vulnerable child has the stability, love and opportunities they deserve.