UK Fostering Statistics 2025
A comprehensive overview of the state of foster care in the UK — from headline need figures to regional breakdowns and carer demographics. All figures sourced from government data and sector research.
Headline figures
Children in care vs carer numbers (2015–2024)
The number of children needing foster care has risen 20% since 2015, while the active carer pool has contracted — widening the gap each year.
Source: DfE Children Looked After statistics, England & Wales. Scotland/NI data from respective governments.
Fostering placements by type
Most children in care are in long-term or short-term foster placements. Emergency and specialist placements are the fastest growing categories.
Estimates based on DfE placement data. Figures rounded.
Who fosters in the UK?
Profile of active UK foster carers based on Fostering Network and IFA sector surveys.
Regional breakdown
The UK's foster carer shortfall is unevenly distributed. Urban regions — particularly London and the North West — face the most acute need, often relying heavily on independent fostering agencies to fill gaps.
Source: DfE, Welsh Government, Scottish Government, NI DHSC. Figures approximate. IFA placement % = proportion of foster placements placed via IFAs rather than LA directly.
What the data tells us
Rising demand, shrinking supply
Since 2015 the number of children needing foster care has risen by over 20%, while the number of approved foster carers has declined slightly. This structural gap drives the urgent need for new carers nationwide.
IFA placements cost more — but why?
Councils spend over £490m/year placing children with IFAs at above-average cost per placement. This is partly because IFAs specialise in complex cases that LAs struggle to place — and partly because LA carer recruitment has lagged.
→ LA vs IFA guideUrban areas face the sharpest crisis
London, Manchester, and Birmingham have the highest children-in-care rates per capita and the greatest shortfall. Urban areas also have higher housing costs, which can make the spare bedroom requirement a barrier for potential carers.
→ Browse location guidesThe typical carer is 51, experienced, and stretched
The average active carer is 51 years old and has been fostering for over 7 years. As this cohort ages out, replenishing the carer base with younger recruits — including working-age people — is a sector priority.
→ Fostering and working full timeData sources
- DfE: Children looked after in England including adoptions, 2024
- Fostering Network: Facts and figures about fostering in the UK, 2024
- National Audit Office (NAO): Support for children in care, 2023
- Ofsted: Annual Report 2023/24 — Social Care
- Welsh Government: Children looked after by local authorities, StatsWales
- Scottish Government: Children's social work statistics, 2024
- DHSC Northern Ireland: Children in care statistics, 2024
These figures represent real children waiting for a home.
Over 90% of people who start an enquiry meet the basic requirements. Find out if you could be one of the 8,000+ carers the UK needs.