Overview
Recruitment and retention of foster carers
There is a damaging shortage of over 10,000 foster carers in the UK. This shortage means local authorities are often forced to place children where there is a vacancy rather than where best meets children’s needs.
Mismatched foster placements are bad for children, their parents and their foster carers and are more likely to break down. Not having enough foster carers means that children may be forced to change schools and move away from family and friends.
Foster carers who experience the breakdown of placements also suffer. If their experiences are particularly negative, they may leave the foster care service altogether – further exacerbating the shortage of foster carers and the lack of choice of foster placements for children.
Success in recruiting and retaining foster carers is key to delivering an effective fostering service. The Fostering Network aims to support fostering services with improving their recruitment and retention of foster carers so we can:
- improve the life chances of fostered children
- support local initiatives to recruit a diverse range of foster carers through dedicated information, support and resources
- build on the success of Foster Care Fortnight
- provide year round quality guidance to fostering services
- disseminate best practice in the recruitment and retention.
Further information
Visit our Foster Care Resource Centre for more information on how to maximise your recruitment and retention of foster carers.
For further information please contact Helen Clarke, development worker – recruitment and retention of foster carers on 020 7620 6407 or helen.clarke@fostering.net.
