Fostering in England: What the Latest Figures Mean for Foster Care and Foster Carers

At Beacon Fostering, we celebrate and champion every foster carer, every fostering household, and every foster placement – especially as the latest national statistics show important trends shaping foster care in England. The Fostering in England 2024–2025 report highlights both challenges and opportunities for fostering across the country, including for independent fostering agencies and local foster carers in the North West and Lancashire. (GOV.UK)

Foster Care in England

As of 31 March 2025, there were 42,190 fostering households in England. While this number has slowly decreased compared to previous years, the trend shows a slower rate of decline, signalling potential stability ahead for fostering support and recruitment. (GOV.UK)

Children in foster care continue to represent a vital and valued part of our community – and these figures remind us that foster caring remains one of the most life-changing ways to support vulnerable children and young people in England today.

What Do the Numbers Tell Us?

Foster Carer Supply and Demand

• There were 56,345 approved mainstream foster carers across England during this period – a slight decline of about 1% from the previous year. (GOV.UK)
• When compared to 2021, the number of approved mainstream foster carers is 12% lower, meaning there are fewer carers for the growing and ongoing needs of children who require foster placements. (GOV.UK)

For fostering agencies and prospective foster carers, this reinforces the importance of supporting experienced carers and welcoming new families – whether you’re applying to become a foster carer in Lancashire, the North West, or elsewhere in England.

Mainstream Fostering vs Kinship Care

Mainstream fostering households – the carers most commonly supported by independent fostering agencies and local fostering services – remain essential. Around 44% of all fostering households were mainstream local authority homes in this period. (GOV.UK)

Meanwhile, formal kinship care (family and friends fostering) continues to make up around 21% of fostering households – highlighting how family-connected care plays a growing role in the overall foster care system. (GOV.UK)

This mix of mainstream and kinship fostering reflects the diverse types of foster care that children may need throughout their lives.

Fostering Placements: Available and Filled

The report showed that there were 69,825 approved mainstream fostering places across England, with around three in five of those places filled. At the same time, about 17% were vacant and nearly a fifth of places were not available for current use. (GOV.UK)

This tells us there is:

• Demand for more foster carers
• Opportunity for carers able to provide short break or emergency placements
• Continued partnership needed between councils and independent fostering agencies to match children with the right homes

Encouraging Growth in Certain Areas

While numbers are down overall, there was some good news within the fostering sector:

• Independent fostering agency households saw a small increase in overall numbers for the first time in several years. (GOV.UK)
• There was also a 41% increase in short-break fostering places since 2021 – helping more families and children access essential weekend, respite, and short-term care opportunities. (GOV.UK)

This highlights not just the resilience of independent fostering agencies, but also the growing variety of ways that foster carers can support children – from long-term care to short breaks designed to help families stay stronger.

What This Means for Fostering in the North West of England

At Beacon Fostering we’re committed to meeting the needs of children and local communities. These national statistics underline the need for:

• More foster carers throughout the North West
• Supportive, flexible foster care options
• Continued collaboration between local authorities and independent fostering agencies

Every child deserves a safe, stable foster home – and whether you are considering fostering for the first time or are an experienced carer, your role matters. The figures highlight that foster care is a community effort, and agencies like ours are ready to walk alongside you every step of the way.

If you’re interested in fostering with Beacon Fostering in Lancashire, Greater Manchester, Merseyside, Liverpool or other areas of the North West, contact our friendly team today – children need caring homes now more than ever.