Reasons to foster in 2025

In 2024, 83,630 children and young people were in foster care in England – otherwise known as being looked after by local authorities.

Although this was 0.5% less than the previous year, the number of children entering care is outnumbering the number of foster carers available to look after them.

Across the country, there were 42,615 fostering families, and given the number of foster homes to foster children, these youngsters are often placed far away from their homes, with some being separated from their siblings.

Being a foster carer can be a rewarding and life changing experience on both sides, so here are some reasons why you should consider fostering in 2025, from us at Beacon Fostering.

Safety and security for young people

Foster families offer a safe, secure place for children who cannot live with their families of origin, and also provides a foundation for which they can be nurtured into confident young adults.

Inclusivity

Foster care is open to fit and healthy people with a spare room who are aged 21 and over.

Whether you are single, married, in a long-term relationship, straight, LGBTQ+, religious, non-religious or a person of colour, fostering is open and inclusive of people from all backgrounds and walks of life. Regardless of whether or not you have children of your own, your application will still be considered.

Training and support networks

When your fostering application is successful, you will become part of a supportive community of foster carers, where you will undergo training and support each other, sharing stories and experiences. Fostering agencies even offer opportunities for foster families to go on trips together, allowing carers and young people to befriend people like them and create lasting experiences.

If you’re interested in making a difference in a child or young person’s life, get in touch with the team at Beacon Fostering today.