There are just over 70,000 children and young people living away from home in public care on any given day in the UK, almost 50,000 of whom live with 37,000 foster families. The Fostering Network estimates that a further 10,000 foster carers are needed across the UK.

The statistics below are the latest available from the relevant government departments in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. They provide a picture of the care system on just one day of the year. Many more children and young people move in and out of public care over the course of 12 months.

England

  • 60,300 children looked after on 31 March 2006

  • Over two thirds of these children (42,000 or 70 per cent) were living with foster carers

  • There are approximately 32,000 foster carers in England

  • The Fostering Network estimates there is a shortage of at least 8,200 foster carers

Northern Ireland

  • 2,436 children looked after on 31 March 2006

  • Over half of these children (1,409 or 58 per cent) were living with foster carers

  • There are approximately 1,340 foster carers in Northern Ireland

  • The Fostering Network estimates there is a shortage of at least 350 foster carers

Scotland

  • 5,369 children looked after away from home on 31 March 2006

  • Over two thirds of these children (3,731 or 69 per cent) were living with foster carers

  • There are approximately 2,650 foster carers in Scotland

  • The Fostering Network estimates there is a shortage of at least 1,700 foster carers

Wales

  • 4,529 children looked after on 31 March 2006

  • Almost three quarters of these children (3,353 or 74 per cent) were living with foster carers

  • There are approximately 1,900 foster carers in Wales

  • The Fostering Network estimates there is a shortage of at least 750 foster carers

Information Resources

Foster Care Resource Centre

“ There are many misconceptions about who can foster but foster carers come from many backgrounds and from all walks of life, what matters most is that you have something to offer to children and young people. Being a foster carer won't always be the easiest of jobs, but from speaking to foster carers I know it will certainly be one of the most rewarding things you can ever do!”

Gail Porter