“The problem isn’t going away”: Urgent call for foster carers as numbers fall and demand rises

Foster carers are urgently needed amid a national decline over the past decade, prompting a major recruitment drive across the region.

Local authorities across the country are under increasing pressure as the number of foster carers plummet, while the figures of children being placed in care rise.

In response, The News has launched its Fostering a Better Future campaign to support the push for more carers and encourage people in the area to put themselves forward.

Approximately 1,700 children are in care across Hampshire, with an estimated 400 in Portsmouth. An annual report for Portsmouth City Council revealed there were 232 fostering households as of March 31, 2025 within its dedicated service - Fostering Portsmouth.

Councillor Nicholas Dorrington, Portsmouth City Council cabinet member for children, families and education, said: "We work to ensure that every child in our care is safe, supported and given the love and care that they need to thrive.

“The majority of the children we care for are placed with foster carers and live in or close to the city enabling them to maintain positive links with family and community.

“Our amazing community of Portsmouth foster carers help to give local children a supportive and loving home, and we provide them with ongoing training, allowances and professional support. Portsmouth, like many areas of the country, is in need of new foster carers to help support local children of all ages.”

Jo Austin, from Portsmouth, has dedicated the last 14 years to supporting young people of all ages with Foster Portsmouth. She recently took part in Foster Care Fortnight, which is a two-week awareness campaign to celebrate carers and drive recruitment.

She said: “I think the best thing about fostering is that we’re making a big difference to the young people coming into our homes. We’re not only helping them but we’re also improving our own lives. It’s an extraordinary role.

“To anyone who’s thinking about fostering I would say pick up the phone or send us an email, because we can answer all your questions and we’d love you to come on board.”

Cllr Dorrington told The News how the council service offers different types of fostering to suit both the child and carers.

“We encourage anyone with a spare room who might consider fostering to contact our friendly team for an informal chat.” he added.

Fostering Portsmouth, which has been serving the community for decades, has recently joined forces with Fair Ways - a charity based in the city, delivering fostering, education, residential and family services.

Fair Ways currently supports 40 children in foster care and in March 2025, it launched Fostering Friendly Employer Charter to promote flexible and understanding employment policies that help foster carers in every role. Since the initiative was established, 140 local businesses have signed up, resulting in Portsmouth becoming the first officially recognised fostering friendly city in the UK.

A spokesperson for Fair Ways said: “In recent years, we have seen a clear increase in demand for fostering, with more children coming into care and a growing need for safe, stable, and nurturing foster homes.

“Unfortunately, the number of available foster carers isn’t keeping pace, which means the pressure on existing carers and support networks continues to grow.

“It’s not a one-size-fits-all role. Some carers provide short-term support while longer-term plans are being made, while others offer a stable, long-term home where children can feel a real sense of belonging.”

The fostering recruitment manager at Fair Ways added: "After 20 years working with foster carers, I’ve seen firsthand the life-changing difference the right foster home can make. At the heart of this work is finding people who can offer stability, compassion and commitment to children who need it most.”

In Hampshire, the number of children in full-time care account for the largest group in care, at 68.3 per cent. There has also been a 6 per cent increase of young people remaining in care continuously or on an interim basis compared to two years prior.

A report published by Hampshire County Council for the 2024/25 year, revealed most children remain in the care system for over five years, with 30.1 per cent of children being in this age bracket.

A spokesperson for Hampshire County Council said: “We are committed to providing safe, stable, and nurturing environments for children who cannot live with their birth families. Through our fostering service, we work to recruit, train, and support dedicated foster carers who can provide a safe and loving home with consistency.”

The council added that “there is always demand for more fostering placements.”

Across the country there were 81,770 children in care for the year ending in March 2025, with only 67 per cent being placed in foster care, with the remaining children in residential or kinship care.

TheraParent, a small family-run independent fostering agency based in Waterlooville, has over 55 years of combined experience and collaborates with local authorities to support children across the county.

Mike Gibson-Cook, a member of management, said: “Nationally, there is an urgent need, more foster carers are required and it isn’t a problem that’s going away. There is a shortage. We hear that all day every day.

“Local authorities are under a lot of pressure to find homes, it isn’t easy. Hampshire is large, there are a lot of areas to cover and they have to find homes for these children, but there just aren’t enough homes.

“Fostering a child makes such a big difference. If you are going to consider fostering, make sure you are clued up, but essentially if you’re successful, you could change a child’s life. There are so many reasons to do it but it could be perfect for you if you have the compassion and drive to make a difference.

“The bottom line is, there are children who might need a home short term, long term or on a respite basis, but foster carers have the opportunity to make them feel supported and safe.”

In the wake of the crisis, the government has established a plan to create up to 10,000 new foster care places following the rapid decline in numbers, which have fallen by almost 12 per cent over the past decade.

Josh MacAlister, minister for children and families, said: “Reversing the decline in the number of available foster places is an urgent priority for me because fostering is so vital to our mission to give children the best possible start in life.

“We’re bringing fostering into the 21st century, removing outdated rules and unnecessary barriers to become foster carers as part of our overhaul of the care system.”

The action plan will focus on simplifying the rules, developing more accessible fostering models, strengthening regional fostering hubs, improving access to information about fostering, and providing stronger support for foster families.

Sarah Thomas, chief executive of The Fostering Network, explained: “We currently need thousands more foster carers across the UK to meet the needs of children - but this is about far more than numbers. Children need stability after experiencing significant trauma, and foster carers cannot provide that without proper support.

“For the past four years, more foster carers have been leaving than joining, as increasing pressures within an overstretched children’s social care system continue to impact on children.

“Renewing fostering: homes for 10,000 more children takes important steps towards increasing the number of foster carers, helping to ensure that thousands more children can be cared for in homes that are right for their needs.”

To be an eligible foster carer you must:

• Be at least 21 years old
• Have a legal right to work or live in the UK
• Possess a spare bedroom
• Pass a background check
• Live in the UK

For more information about fostering in Portsmouth, call 0300 131 2797 or email [email protected].

To get involved in fostering in Hampshire, call 0300 131 2797 or email [email protected].

For more information about ‘Fostering a Better Future’, visit The News - click here for more information.