The Northern Ireland Office said it wanted to increase numbers by a quarter to 1,500 foster carers in its Draft Priorities and Budget, which sets out spending plans from 2005 to 2008. It also committed to increasing allowances for foster carers.
It wants to increase the rate of children adopted to seven per cent of the looked-after population by 2006 in each health and social services trust. This would be an increase from three per cent in 2003.
Kate Lewis, director of the Fostering Network Northern Ireland, said: "We have long campaigned for increased recognition and resources for fostering, and welcome the priority given to fostering in this budget statement."
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