Media releases

• New training course, developed by Internet Matters, The Fostering Network and Dr Simon P Hammond from UEA, has been created for foster carers to help keep children in their care safe online
• Research shows that children in care are more at risk of encountering harms online than their peers, with three in 10 receiving threatening messages online
• Training will educate foster carers on how they can support children’s safety and digital resilience online
• Foster carers can now access the training through trainer-led virtual sessions led by The Fostering Networ

We know that it has been extremely challenging for our foster carer members over the last few years, not least due to the impact of Covid-19.

To address these challenges our stress support service will be extended to a 24 hours a day, seven days a week-service provided by BACP accredited counsellors.

The changes to this service will take effect from Monday, 7 February 2022.  

The phone number will remain the same, but as always, we suggest you save it in your phones: 01384 889 549.

The Fostering Network welcomes the report putting a clear focus on putting children’s voices at the heart of reform

This week the Children’s Commissioner for England has published a report detailing the responses from children in care and children in need to her ‘Big Ask’ survey conducted last year. 

The failure to follow through on the manifesto commitment made by the Scottish Government to end the postcode lottery in foster care allowances could have an impact on children in foster care and foster carers across Scotland.  

Research published today by the UK’s leading fostering charity, The Fostering Network, found that the amount foster carers receive to spend on 0-4-year-olds in their care can vary by as much as £6,346 a year even in neighbouring local authorities, ranging from £77.96 to £200 per week. 

The Fostering Network is delighted to welcome Sarah Thomas as its new director for Wales and commercial activity. 

A crumbling and failing system is what children and young people in foster care are faced with, if urgent improvements aren't made, according to the latest report from the UK's leading fostering charity.    

Today’s BBC report Children in care in England could hit almost 100,000 by 2025 is a stark warning about the need to recruit and retain more foster carers. 

Kevin Williams, CEO of The Fostering Network, says: ‘Recruitment and retention of high quality foster carers who can meet the needs of children in care is one of the biggest challenges facing the fostering sector today. 

Ofsted have today released their annual fostering in England statistics, highlighting that many vulnerable children are currently missing out on the care and support they need due to a lack of foster carers. 

The Chancellor has announced spending review plans in the House of Commons today.  

Kevin Williams, CEO of The Fostering Network, responds:  

Six young people from across the UK have been working together this year to create a film which shares their experiences of being part of Mockingbird constellations.