Key Takeaways
The UK government plans major reforms in early 2026 to reverse a 10% decline in foster carer numbers since 2021.
New measures aim to remove barriers, allowing more people with full-time jobs or families to foster.
The initiative addresses an urgent need to prevent vulnerable children from entering residential care, which often leads to poorer outcomes.
The UK government announced on Tuesday that it will introduce a comprehensive package of reforms in early 2026 aimed at reversing a significant decline in the number of foster carers across England. The move seeks to address an urgent shortage of stable homes for vulnerable children in the social care system.
According to the Department for Education, the new measures are designed to accelerate the recruitment of new foster carers and improve retention of existing ones. This action follows data published by Ofsted revealing that as of March 2025, there were 33,435 fostering households in England—a 10% drop since 2021.
Tackling barriers to fostering
The upcoming reforms, backed by new funding from the recent Spending Review, will focus on expanding the pool of potential foster parents. The government intends to remove “unnecessary barriers,” making it easier for individuals with full-time jobs or families of their own to foster.
The plan also includes better support systems to help carers balance fostering with their working lives and the development of innovative fostering models informed by frontline practitioners. Further details are expected to be announced in the new year, with a public consultation planned for early 2026.
A shortage of foster homes often pushes children into residential care settings. These environments are associated with worse long-term outcomes in education and health, and can leave children more vulnerable to exploitation, as highlighted in the recent Casey Audit.
“Fostering saved my life”
Minister for Children and Families, Josh MacAlister, emphasized the transformative power of stable care. “Fostering changes lives – not just for children who need safety, stability and love, but for the families who open their homes to them,” MacAlister said. “We know the number of foster carers has been falling, and that is why this government will be taking decisive action.”
Children’s Commissioner Dame Rachel de Souza welcomed the focus, noting that too many vulnerable children are currently placed in unsuitable unregistered accommodation due to the shortage of safe homes.
The government is currently highlighting stories of former foster children to demonstrate the impact of care. Amy Burns, founder of Messy Fostering who was fostered at age 14, shared her experience: “The simple truth is that fostering saved my life… I was finally safe and I slowly learned how to breathe again.”