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In 2004 the Fostering Network, following a survey of local authorities in the UK, announced that there was a shortage of 10,000 foster carers. The Fostering Network’s figure is widely acknowledged and used as the best available to illustrate the current shortage of foster carers. However, this figure does not tell us how many foster carers fostering services are seeking to recruit in the next 12 months.

We are keen to collect this figure as we think it will help us focus attention on both the need for foster carers and also the enormous ongoing challenge for fostering services in ensuring there are sufficient foster carers.

The Fostering Network has asked all fostering services to identify their recruitment target for 2008-09 and any specific shortages being experienced. This figure, currently being processed, will be used to support all our national, regional and local media and promotional activity and can be used by fostering services around the UK to promote their need for more foster carers. It will be announced on Monday 12 May 2008.

Enquiries to Helen Clarke, The Fostering Network, 87 Blackfriars Road, London, SE1 8HA or 020 7620 6407.

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