UK Parliament Supports Foster Care Recruitment and Retention with £85 Million Funding

Strategic Insights -

The UK Parliament's Department of Children and Families is working with local authorities to increase the number of foster carers, aiming to provide more suitable placements for children in care. As part of the children's social care reform, the department is providing £85 million in funding over three years to recruit and retain more foster carers. The efforts are focused on supporting foster carers and children through programs like 'The Mockingbird Family Model' and 'Fosterlink'.

Key Takeaways:

  • The UK Parliament's Department of Children and Families is supporting local authorities to recruit and retain more foster carers, with a focus on providing suitable placements for children in care.
  • There are currently 10 fostering regional programs active across England, collaborating with 64% of all local authorities to recruit and retain foster carers.
  • The department is providing £15 million in funding in 2025/26 to recruit and retain more foster carers.
  • An additional £25 million is being provided for fostering in the 2026/27 and 2027/28 financial years.
  • The 'Mockingbird Family Model' is being expanded to support foster carers and children, with evaluation showing improved carer retention rates.
  • The 'Fosterlink' diagnostic support service and 'Fosterline' helpline service are also being funded to support foster care recruitment and retention.
  • Janet Daby, the Labour Member for Lewisham East, is advocating for increased support for foster carers and children in care.
  • The funding and programs are part of the children's social care reform efforts in England.

Statistics:

  • £15 million in funding is being provided in 2025/26 to recruit and retain more foster carers.
  • An additional £25 million is being provided for fostering in the 2026/27 and 2027/28 financial years.
  • The total funding is £85 million over three years (£15 million + £25 million x 2).
  • 64% of all local authorities in England are collaborating with the 10 fostering regional programs.
  • The 'Mockingbird Family Model' has shown improved carer retention rates through evaluation.
  • The 'Fosterlink' diagnostic support service and 'Fosterline' helpline service are being funded to support foster care recruitment and retention.

Sources:

  • Written answer by Janet Daby, Labour Member for Lewisham East, on 21 May 2025
  • UK Parliament Department of Children and Families.