The survey of 128 fostering services by the Fostering Network found that almost all (98 per cent) had a shortage of foster families for teenagers. Foster carers were particularly needed for 11- to 15-year-olds.
The "Baby P effect" has also caused a surge in demand for foster care placements among teenagers.
Half of those surveyed said pressure to meet demand for teenage foster placements is worse than last year, four out of 10 said it was just as bad.
Other trends highlighted by the network include councils prioritising local placements for babies and young children and leaving teenagers living far from home. Many other looked-after teenagers are in residential care when foster care would be more suitable.
Fostering Network chief executive Robert Tapsfield urged more families to become foster carers for teenagers. In particular fostering services are looking for those with experience of working with teenagers.
He said: "It's a real concern that not enough people are coming forward to offer homes to teenagers. Foster care provides a stable, safe and caring home for children going through a tough time. Teenagers are missing out at a stage in their lives when a good foster family could make all the difference, helping them to achieve at school and prepare for adult life."
Louise Groves, a foster carer who specialises in looking after teenagers, added: "So often we focus on the stereotype of teenagers being hard work, but in my experience they are fun and fascinating individuals."
London mayor Boris Johnson is also calling on families to consider fostering, as an estimated 2,000 more carers are needed in the capital.
He is particularly concerned about the lack of fosterers for teenagers. He said: "It is an appalling situation, and a sad one, that London’s teenagers are missing out on the foster homes they need.
"Childhood and our teenage years should be about making friends, learning, exploration and discovery, not worrying about our home life. Come on London, now is the time to care."
