The shortage of foster carers

The Fostering Network's latest survey on the number of foster carers needed in the UK (September 2004) showed a staggering shortfall of over 10,000 across the UK. Further research in Scotland (May 2005) showed that their shortage was greater than we thought, with 1,700 foster families needed.

For the survey, local authorities and health and social services trusts were asked how many foster carers they would have to recruit in order to offer placement choice to the children in their care. Placement choice means having a sufficiently wide pool of foster carers so that each child can live with a family who meets their individual needs.

National and regional breakdown

England 8,200 of which

North West 1,700

North East 1,300

West Midlands 650

East Midlands 450

East 650

South West 600

South East 850

London 2,000

Northern Ireland 350

Scotland 1,700 (May 2005 figure)

Wales 750

United Kingdom: over 10,000