The Fostering Network estimates fostering services need to recruit a further 8,600 foster families in the next 12 months.
Foster carers can foster for a local authority or via an independent fostering agency. Recent years have seen increased professionalisation of the role, alongside the creation of specialist fostering placements for particularly vulnerable children such as refugees, and specific roles such as therapeutic foster care.
Potential foster carers must undertake a pre-approval training course, such as The Skills to Foster, developed by The Fostering Network. Once approved, foster carers in England must meet standards set by the government in their first 12 months - 18 months for family and friends carers - supported by training covering areas like equality, diversity, and safeguarding. Induction training is often combined with training for the Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People's Workforce (Social Care Pathway).
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