A message from the Minister
Josh writes: As Minister for Children and Families, I see first-hand the urgent crisis facing our care system and how it affects vulnerable children. Right now, we don't have enough foster carers. This means children are being placed far from home, brothers and sisters are separated, and young people face multiple moves when they desperately need stability. Data published in November shows more than 20% of children are placed more than 20 miles from home.
But I also see the incredible efforts that foster carers make to create supportive and loving home, and the potential of families across the country to change this. What vulnerable children need most isn't superhuman abilities, but the everyday love and care families like yours can provide.
Right now, there are children waiting for families who can offer them the love and stability they need to thrive.
I've asked Paula to share her story with you, as her experience demonstrates the positive impact fostering can have on you, your family and those you foster.
A foster carer's story
Paula writes: I'd never really considered fostering until one day, driving home from work, I noticed banners asking, "Could you foster for your council?" That same evening, a leaflet fell out of my magazine, and the next morning a footballer on TV spoke about how being fostered had changed his life. It felt like the universe was nudging me.
I spoke to my husband, and we decided to contact the council. Our son was seven at the time, and we ran a busy catering business, so we knew fostering would need to fit around our lives and most importantly, be something our son was happy with.
We started as support carers, offering weekend breaks to children. One boy has been coming to us monthly for eleven years; he's like a nephew now. Our current foster son has been with us for nearly five years. He clicked instantly with our son, and we've worked hard to help him feel like he belongs, reassuring him that he has three families: his mum's, his dad's, and ours.
The most memorable moments are often simple: seeing our son become more patient and emotionally open, or a small act that shows that our foster child feels secure. We've found an amazing support network through our local Mockingbird hub.
Yes, it can be challenging, but so is parenting. Just showing up consistently builds trust, enriches your family, and can make a real difference in a child's life.
Fostering myths vs reality
Josh writes: Let me address some misconceptions that might be stopping you. You don't need to be married, own your home, or give up work. Foster carers come from all walks of life; whether you're managing alone, part of a big family, working full time or somewhere in between, it can be done.
If you've raised children, are still raising them, or helped a child through difficult times, you have invaluable experience. These everyday parenting skills are exactly what the children who require a foster carer need.
We want every foster carer to feel supported, informed and part of a community. You can access guidance, training and connect with other families, sometimes through local Fostering Hubs. Support varies across areas, but the aim is the same: to fit fostering around your life.
We're also ensuring that fostering allowances and tax relief increase each year in line with inflation, so that foster carers get the financial support that they need. After approval, carers also get ongoing support from a dedicated social worker.
You don’t have to be perfect—just human. With support, guidance, and help along the way, you can do this.
Want to find out more?
You could be part of the change children desperately need.
Explore fostering in your area: www.gov.uk/apply-foster-child-council
Paula says: "If you're thinking about fostering, reach out to your local authority. You'll join a welcoming community and make a real difference in a child's life. It could be the start of something extraordinary."