The UK government has set out new measures in early 2026 that are aimed at tackling the growing shortage of foster carers and improving the support for those in the system. With rising numbers of children entering care and increasing pressure on local authorities, the need for foster placements has become more urgent than ever.
This latest action focuses not only on recruiting new carers but also recognising that keeping experienced foster families is just as important as bringing new ones in.
Addressing the shortage
Across the country, the demand for foster carers has continued to outpace the supply. Thousands of additional carers are needed to make sure that children can be placed in appropriate homes, that are ideally within their local communities.
Shortages can lead to children being placed far away from their schools, friends, and support networks, or in homes that may not fully meet their needs. In some cases, siblings are separated simply because there are not enough carers able to take them in together.
The government’s new renewed focus reflects concerns from across the sector that without action, these challenges will continue to get more intense. If you would like to know more about the support available for foster care Cardiff, contact a specialist such as https://saferfostering.org.uk/foster-care-wales/cardiff for further advice.
Recruitment
One of the key elements of the 2026 action plan is a push to attract more people into fostering. This includes raising awareness of fostering as a career option and breaking down common misconceptions about who can become a foster carer.