As part of a renewed focus on recruiting more foster carers across the country, the Department for Education is set to launch a new campaign this month.


The campaign will focus on the everyday moments foster carers share with the children in their care, highlighting that fostering can become a part of your life without changing it.

It comes as the Fostering Network highlights the need for more than 900 more foster families across the North East and Yorkshire and the East Midlands in 2026.

Sharing your life with a foster child can be incredibly rewarding, introducing them to a feeling of safety and experiences that they might not have had before. Whilst embracing the things that are important to them alongside.

When you become a foster carer with Team Fostering, we understand how important certain things in your life are to you. From keeping your own family members forefront of any matching considerations, to involving your own children in our activities and events – everyone becomes part of a wider family that’s there for you every step of the way.

You can read the stories of some of our foster carers here and meet our team to hear from the people who help make this happen.

​Click here to read the full article. 

The Department for Education (DfE) is launching its first fully co-ordinated fostering recruitment campaign in October 2026, aimed at encouraging more people to consider fostering.

The heart of the campaign is not only the dispelling of myths and misconceptions around who can foster, but also about reframing fostering as an extension of who people already are, rather than asking them to become a different kind of person. Therefore, the campaign will highlight more of the everyday differences that people can make to children’s lives, over and above any perceived complex expectations or specialist skillsets that may feel out of reach.

The campaign has arrived at a time of decreased numbers of approved foster carers in the UK. According to the DfE, the number of foster carers has fallen by 12% since 2019, with research showing that misconceptions is a driving factor in people ruling themselves out before even exploring fostering.

​TACT are passionate about dispelling fostering myths and misconceptions; the charity ran a campaign in September of 2025 called ‘Ordinary People Making an Extraordinary Difference’, which highlighted the everyday smaller gestures of care that can make a positive impact on young people. Another key message of the campaign was that fostering should be an option for people across all walks of life, and not just those with care-aligned vocational backgrounds.

Click here to read the full article.

Foster Carers make a difference to the lives of vulnerable children and support them at the time they need it most. To provide a stable and secure home for the children in their care, Foster Carers need their own support networks. As well as support from Fair Ways, this support can start with their employers becoming Fostering Friendly Employers.

Why do employers need to join the Fostering Friendly Initiative?
The aim of the Fair Ways Employer Initiative is to make a difference to the lives of Foster Carers and the thousands of children in need of fostering.

We have found that there has been a lack of support from employers for people who are, or who are looking at being Foster Carers, and therefore it is no surprise that there is a national shortage of Foster Carers. Becoming a Fostering Friendly Employer put a marker in the sand. It shows your employees that you will support them if they wish to become a Foster Carer, with Fostering Friendly policies and flexibility to undertake both roles simultaneously.

Depending on circumstances, many foster carers still work during fostering. Currently, 40% juggle both jobs, and therefore, to put in the time and dedication it takes to being a Foster Carer, they need their employers commitment and unwavering support. This can include introducing a fostering friendly HR policy or offering flexible working arrangements.

Please click here to read the full article.

A famous author has inspired a group of TACT young people, in a workshop aimed at encouraging a passion for reading.

Andy Stanton, the celebrated author of the Mr Gum book series, led an online workshop organised by TACT Fostering – in line with their extensive year-long National Year of Reading campaign activities.

He took the participants through his own creative processes, including the time he wrote a story for his nephews on Christmas Eve (which they ignored as it was Christmas), only to find the story again years later ‘in a box’. That story became the first Mr Gum book.

No stranger to working with children, Andy said: “I’ve been talking to children in schools and at book festivals for twenty years now. I haven’t done any events or workshops for children in care before. Whomever I’m talking to I always strive to make my events inclusive and welcoming for all. 

Please click here to read the full article.

We are proud to introduce Michael Carr as a Patron of The Foster Care Charity.

Michael’s journey is powerful, honest, and inspiring. He brings not only professional success, but lived experience of growing up in foster care. That makes his voice truly important to the work we do.

Today, Michael is a professional chef and business owner. But his story began in a very different place.

From Fostered Child to Pro Chef
“As soon as I started, I just wanted to work and become a chef.”

​Michael spent much of his childhood in and out of care. Life was not always stable. There were times when things were difficult and uncertain.

“I didn’t really have structure growing up. Sometimes life was just about getting through the day.”

Everything changed when he found a home with his foster carers.

“They became like my mum and dad. They gave me support, structure, and somewhere that felt like home.”

That stability made a lasting difference.

​Please click here for the full article.

What would happen if we gave carers more than just money to look after children? What if we also gave them a strong foundation in understanding trauma and therapeutic parenting so they have the skills, confidence and support to do it well?

At Community Foster Care, we think that question matters.

Of course, foster carers need to be financially supported. Fostering is a significant commitment, and carers should never be out of pocket for welcoming a child into their home.

But if financial support alone was enough, then every fostering arrangement would thrive.

The reality is that many children entering care bring with them experiences of loss, trauma, neglect, disrupted relationships and uncertainty. These experiences shape how they see the world, how they build relationships and how they respond when they feel scared, overwhelmed or unsafe.

That's why we believe fostering isn't simply about providing a spare room and good intentions. It's about equipping carers with the understanding, support and therapeutic skills needed to help children heal.

Please click here to read the full article.

By Styliana Pasiardi, Charity Policy and Campaigns Manager, Together Trust.

On Monday 7th September, I presented at a symposium on illegal/unregistered children’s homes and child exploitation at Anglia Ruskin University. The symposium brought together professionals from academia, charities, policing, the Department for Education, the NHS and frontline services, all committed to improving outcomes for children in care.

I was grateful for the opportunity to connect with others across the sector, share our work, and raise awareness of illegal children’s homes. 

Illegal children’s homes continue to be a significant safeguarding concern to some of the most vulnerable children in our society. Children are being placed in settings that are not registered and have not been approved to provide care. This can leave children without the safeguards, oversight and support they need.

Please click here for the full article and presentation slides.

TACT’s Fostering North West team were very busy over the summer holidays organising some brilliant activities for our young people. One of our young people even completed an amazing personal challenge!

We kicked off the summer with our Multi-Sports Activity Day, delivered by Sportibees. Following the success of this event last year, and after hearing so many positive comments from our children and foster carers, we were delighted to bring it back again. The day was packed with a variety of sports and activities, giving everyone the opportunity to get involved, try something new and have fun together!

Please click here to read the full article.

 At ALL4U we think the most important thing is to find families and children who meet each others needs and strengths. Our belief is to make your fostering journey positive, supportive, rewarding and like you are not in this alone because you are not.

We ALWAYS have experienced members of staff available round the clock If you are curious or wonder whether fostering is something you'd like to explore, call us on 0800 917 5754 or take a look at our website and send us a message and we will get back to you.

​No question is too small (or big) . And who knows, maybe you would like to join our family too !

Source: 
www.all4ufostering.co.uk

Every young person deserves the chance to move into adulthood feeling ready, supported and in control of their future. But for many young people leaving care, the transition can come with challenges that their peers never have to face. 

That's why, over the last year, Break has been bringing together young people, local authorities, housing providers, disability organisations and other partners across Norfolk and Cambridgeshire through two ambitious projects: Routes to Roofs and Own Your Path. 

Supported by the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, both projects aim to improve the experience of leaving care. Routes to Roofs is focused on housing and finding ways to give young people more choice, stability and security when moving into independent living. Own Your Path is focused on improving pathways for young people with disabilities as they transition into adulthood. 

Please click here to read the full article.