State of the Nations' Foster Care 2024

Date: 18th March 2025
Category: Care Experienced children, Family support

The State of the Nation’s Foster Care survey 2024 was conducted between May and July 2024, gathering responses from over 3,000 foster carers and 114 fostering services across the UK.

It explored key issues in fostering, including recruitment, training, financial support, and systemic challenges such as foster carer shortages.

The survey found that less than two-thirds of foster carers felt supported by their service when managing children’s time with their birth families. Three in five believed current family contact arrangements were in the best interests of the children they foster. In terms of education, half of foster carers said at least one child they care for receives extra learning support, but only half of those felt the support was sufficient.

Additionally, 45% reported that at least one child in their care is either receiving mental health support or is on a waiting list. The report calls for urgent government action, including a national recruitment campaign, better training and financial support, and increased investment in mental health services for children in care and foster families. It also recommends extending foster care support up to age 25 to help young people transition to independence and giving foster carers greater decision-making authority to improve the care experience.

• Click here to read more and to download report

The report comes shortly after Scottish Government’s consultation on the future of foster care.

• Read Together’s response to the consultation here.