Devon supports £88m Government push to boost foster carer numbers

Devon County Council has welcomed a major new Government campaign to recruit 10,000 additional foster carers across England by 2029, as the county faces a significant decline in local fostering households.

The national initiative, backed by £88 million of funding over the next two years, aims to tackle a growing shortage of carers and provide more stable, loving homes for vulnerable children.

In Devon the challenge is particularly stark. The number of approved fostering households in the county has fallen by a third since 2020, leaving local services struggling to find enough placements close to children’s families, schools and communities.

Figures from the Department for Education, highlighted in the Government’s new Renewing Fostering report, show that in March 2025 there were 81,770 children in care across England.

 Naomi Pollard, Registered Manager at Foster Care Associates South West, said that although the Government target is aimed primarily at councils, it could still have a positive impact in Exeter and Devon.

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“While it’s not yet clear how recruitment will be boosted locally, simply putting fostering in the national spotlight could help start important conversations and raise awareness,” she said.

“The proposed foster parent register may improve visibility of available carers and help speed up matching, but it doesn’t directly solve the core recruitment and retention challenge.

“In Exeter and across Devon, we’re facing the same pressures as the rest of the country – more children entering care and not enough foster parents.

“We need to see the government plans come to life now to see real change for children who need safe, stable homes.”

She added: “Fostering is incredibly rewarding, but it’s also complex. It’s important that all foster parents are well trained, receive regular refreshers and specific training for their young people’s needs, and are appropriately supported by their agency.”

Around two thirds (54,820) were living in foster homes, supported by 42,190 fostering households.

However, the number of approved mainstream foster carers fell by 12 per cent between 2019 and 2025, dropping to just 56,345 last year.

Independent fostering agencies, which work alongside local authorities to provide placements, say the renewed focus on recruitment is vital.

County leaders say the renewed national focus is urgently needed and builds on steps already being taken locally.

Last year Devon County Council committed an extra £2 million to strengthen its own fostering service. The investment is funding enhanced payments, better training and development, specialist advice and wellbeing support for carers.

The Government’s strategy, set out in the “Renewing Fostering” report, aims to increase the number of local authority and third sector foster places and reduce reliance on expensive private sector provision.

Councillor Richard Jefferies, Devon County Council’s Cabinet Member for Children’s Social Care, said the announcement was welcome.

“I’m pleased to see the Government raising the profile of this issue nationally,” he said.

“The promise of additional funding to support foster carers is very welcome and it follows on from our own £2 million investment last year.”

“Fostering is so important in changing the lives of vulnerable young people, and we want to make sure foster carers are supported in this vital role.”

He added that the Government focus would help promote Devon’s upcoming Hearts & Homes fostering conference in Exeter on 20 March, where residents can hear directly from care-experienced young people about the difference foster families make.

Councillor Robin Julian, Devon’s Member Champion for Fostering, said: “Foster carers are doing such a vital job. We need to make sure they feel valued and properly supported.”

A free Hearts and Homes Fostering Conference will take place in Exeter on 20 March to encourage more local people to consider fostering.

Sessions will run from 10am to 12pm and from 1pm to 3pm.