From 11–24 May, we are proudly supporting Foster Care Fortnight. It is The Fostering Network’s annual campaign to celebrate the fostering community. It also raises awareness of the incredible difference foster carers make to children’s lives.
This year’s theme, “This is Fostering”, shines a light on the real, everyday experiences of fostering – the impact, the commitment and the challenges. Additionally, it calls for meaningful change across the fostering system.
Foster carers provide stable, safe and nurturing homes for children who are unable to live with their birth families. They support children’s emotional wellbeing, education and health, and help them rebuild trust and confidence. For many children, fostering is their first experience of a secure and caring family life.
The current picture in South Gloucestershire
In South Gloucestershire, there are more than 200 children and young people in care, most of whom live with foster families. However, like many areas across the UK, there is a growing pressure on fostering services. They must find enough local homes.
There is a particular need for foster carers who can care for teenagers, sibling groups and children with additional or complex needs. When local foster homes are not available, children may have to move away from familiar surroundings, schools and relationships. This increases disruption at an already vulnerable time.
Recruiting more foster carers locally helps keep children close to home. It strengthens outcomes and supports long‑term stability for children and young people.
Sarah Thomas, Chief Executive of The Fostering Network, said:
“Foster carers are not only parents, providing warmth, stability and a place to call home – they are highly skilled. They juggle many roles: educators, mediators, advocates and organisers, with a deep knowledge of children’s best interests.
However, many foster carers are leaving, while the number of children entering care is on the rise. We urgently need more people to step forward so every child can have the right home for their needs.
There’s no such thing as a ‘typical’ foster carer. People from all backgrounds, ages, ethnicities, genders and sexual orientations can foster, and it’s this diversity that helps children feel safe, supported and able to thrive.”
Fostering in the UK
Across the UK, a child comes into care every 15 minutes, and around 67,000 children are currently living with foster families. With many foster carers retiring or leaving each year, thousands more are needed. This helps ensure every child can be cared for close to home by people who understand their local community.
During Foster Care Fortnight, we’ll be sharing stories from our fostering community, celebrating our carers, and highlighting why fostering matters now more than ever.
If you’ve ever thought about fostering – or want to find out what it’s really like – now is a great time to start the conversation. There’s no such thing as a typical foster carer, just people willing to make a difference.
