The Fostering Network has published its State of the Nations’ Foster Care report examining foster care across the UK. Findings from the 2024 survey, completed by over 3,000 current and former foster carers and 114 fostering services, include: 58% of foster carers said they have experienced burnout or poor wellbeing because of their fostering role; 53% of foster carers said at least one of the children they foster receives additional support with their learning, a decrease from 64% in 2021; and 45% of foster carers said at least one child they foster is either receiving mental health or wellbeing support or is on a waiting list for support. Recommendations include: improving support for foster carers, including therapeutic, peer, and out-of-hours support; introducing a register in each nation to increase foster carers’ status and support matching of children with foster carers; and increase allowances to ensure foster carers can afford to look after children in their care.
Read the news story: Huge instability for children and young people in care as foster carers report significant burnout
Read the report: State of the Nations’ Foster Care
Source: The Fostering Network
Date published: 11 February 2025
