The UK government has announced plans to create up to 10,000 new foster care places in England by the end of this parliament, addressing a critical shortage of foster carers. Approved carer numbers have fallen by 12% over the past decade, with sharp declines since the COVID-19 pandemic. The initiative includes £88 million in funding to support carers and frontline services, along with £25 million for expanding foster care capacity. New rules will remove barriers such as marital status or homeownership requirements, and a national fostering rulebook will simplify processes. The plan emphasizes regional collaboration, improved support for carers, and innovative models like part-time fostering. Organizations like The Fostering Network and CoramBAAF welcomed the measures, highlighting their potential to improve outcomes for children in care and attract more carers. The Department for Education launched a consultation to refine the reforms, aiming to ensure stable, supportive placements for children.
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https://www.gov.uk/government/news/pledge-to-get-10000-vulnerable-children-into-foster-homes
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