Thousands more foster carers are urgently needed across the UK, according to new figures released by The Fostering Network.
The charity says an additional 6,000 foster carers are required to ensure children and young people can access safe, stable and loving homes.
The warning comes as Foster Care Fortnight gets underway from May 11 to 24, with the organisation calling on the Government to do more to properly support and retain existing foster carers.
Renfrewshire Council had 69 active foster care households as of July 2024, although this does not include carers working through independent fostering agencies.
The number of foster carers across the UK has been falling since 2021, placing increasing pressure on services and leading to concerns over placement stability for vulnerable children.
Foster carers have reported problems including financial pressures, lack of support from fostering services and feeling undervalued by professionals involved in children’s care.
Leigh Strange, who has been a foster carer for 27 years, said: “The danger is when foster carers don’t feel listened to and can’t get support at a crisis point – they leave. Newer carers are especially vulnerable in their first five years.
“There needs to be more support for foster carers, especially when they start, so they feel confident they can continue.”
The charity says instability within the fostering system can have serious consequences for children and young people who have already experienced trauma.
Children can often face unplanned moves, separation from siblings or being placed far away from their communities because of shortages in suitable foster homes.
Leigh added: “Fostering is a constantly changing landscape, and children are the ones who struggle most – they need stability. If carers aren’t paid adequately, it limits what they can provide and the opportunities they can give the children in their care.”
The Fostering Network is also calling for greater financial support for carers and the creation of a UK-wide foster carer register to improve recognition and help local authorities identify available placements more quickly.
Sarah Thomas, chief executive of The Fostering Network, said: “We currently need thousands more foster carers across the UK to meet the needs of children – but this is about far more than numbers.
“Children need stability after experiencing significant trauma, and foster carers cannot provide that without proper support.
“Foster carers are reporting declining levels of wellbeing, forcing many to leave altogether. It is unacceptable that those delivering this vital public service do not feel valued or supported.”
She added: “That’s why retention is just as important as recruitment. Urgent action is needed to protect and sustain the dedicated pool of foster carers we already have – because without them, recruitment efforts alone will not succeed.”