This week, the government launched England’s first ever national campaign to recruit foster carers. Children’s Minister, Josh MacAlister, marked the launch at 10 Downing Street on 13 October, alongside foster carers, social workers and people who grew up in care.
The message is simple. All kinds of people can foster.
We couldn’t agree more.
Why is this such big news?
According to the government, the number of approved foster carers in England has fallen by 12% since 2019. They have announced that they want to create 10,000 new foster places by the end of this parliament.
Behind those numbers are young people who need a safe, stable home. Ideally one close to their school, their friends and the people they love. Here in Nottingham, Derby and the East Midlands, that need is just as real.
This campaign is talking to you!
This nationwide campaign is aimed at adults in their 30s and 40s, who have what it takes to foster, but have never seriously thought about it. People who assume they’d be turned away before they even ask.
Sound familiar? Here are the things we hear most often:
I rent, so I can’t foster. You can. You don’t need to own your home.
I’m single. You can still foster. You don’t need to be married or in a relationship.
I’ve never worked with children. You don’t need to. We’ll give you the training and support to get started.
I’m too old. There’s no upper age limit. Life experience is a real strength.
I work. Depending on the type of fostering, it can fit around your job. We’ll talk it through with you honestly.
What you do need is a spare room, plenty of patience, and the space in your heart to love and care for a young person who needs you.
New ways to foster
Josh MacAlister has stated that the government is investing £88 million in fostering, including a £12.4 million fund to trial more flexible ways to foster, such as respite or weekend care.
That flexibility matters. Respite and short break fostering is already one of the ways you can foster with Hope, and for some families it’s the perfect place to start.
Why foster with Hope?
A national campaign can get people thinking. But when you pick up the phone, you want to speak to someone local who knows your area and takes the time to know you.
We’re an independent, Ofsted rated Good agency based right here in Nottingham. That means you’re never just a number.
Support whenever you need it: 24/7, 365 days a year, from trained social workers who already know you and your story.
Training that keeps going: We invest in our carers, because better supported foster families mean better outcomes for our young people.
Competitive fostering allowances: We make sure you’re properly supported financially.
A community that gets it: Our foster parents come from all walks of life, and many will tell you the best thing about Hope is the sense of belonging. We offer family days, group therapy sessions, support groups and so much more.
Please get in touch.
The whole country is talking about fostering this month. If you’ve ever wondered “could I?”, now is a good time to find out.
If you foster with another agency and want one that knows you by name, we’d love to talk to you about transferring to Hope.
Please email enquiries@hopefs.co.uk, or get in touch via our contact form and we will ring you for an informal chat.
Nurturing Hope for every child. 💚