Diagrama FoundationWe were delighted to hear in the Government’s Spring Statement, delivered by Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves on 26 March 2025, that £25 million will be allocated to support the fostering system.
Read the full Spring Statement here
www.gov.uk/government/publications/spring-statement-2025-document
This crucial funding has been designated to recruit 400 new fostering households. It is expected to support local councils and fostering agencies in their efforts to attract new carers, provide enhanced training, and offer additional financial incentives to encourage more people to consider fostering.
This latest commitment builds on the UK government’s previous investments in foster care, including a £25 million initiative announced on 2 February 2023 to recruit and retain foster carers, as well as an additional £44 million allocated for kinship and foster care in the 2025-26 period as part of the Autumn Budget on 30 October 2024.
With many councils struggling to find suitable homes for children in need, it is reassuring to see that the urgent demand for more foster carers remains on the Government’s agenda. Fostering agencies across England and Wales continue to raise concerns about the challenges children in care face, and we welcome this initiative’s goal of ensuring that children in care have stable and supportive homes, while also reducing reliance on emergency and out-of-area placements.
Beyond financial investment, the Government is also working to enhance support for foster carers through additional resources and initiatives. Prospective foster carers will have access to streamlined application processes, expanded training programs, and improved peer support networks.
We already offer comprehensive guidance to help new carers navigate the fostering journey, from initial inquiries to placement support. My team is always delighted to talk to anyone considering fostering to offer advice and support and our website includes lots of important information. We also hold regular free online information sessions which you can book here: https://diagramafostering.org.uk/events/
This funding signals a commitment not only to recruiting new carers but also to ensuring that they feel supported and empowered in their vital role. By providing the necessary financial backing and practical resources, the Government aims to create a more robust and sustainable fostering system that truly meets the needs of children in care.
We look forward to seeing how this funding is implemented and hope it leads to meaningful, long-term improvements in the fostering system, ensuring that every child receives the care and stability they deserve.
Kate Patel
