Policy Threads

Fostering System Reform

The Department for Education is implementing comprehensive fostering system reforms to increase the number of foster carers and improve support for children in care. The reform programme addresses assessment procedures, abuse allegation handling, adoption support, and aims to create homes for 10,000 additional children through systemic improvements.

4 Feb 2026 | Policy paper Department for Education linked

Renewing fostering: homes for 10,000 more children

Sets out the steps required to address the sharp decline in foster carers over the past decade and reform the foster care system.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Renewing fostering: homes for 10,000 more child… (47pp)

+2 more

↓ Renewing fostering: homes for 10,000 more children (print v… (50pp) ↓ Renewing fostering: homes for 10,000 more children (version… (18pp)

20 Jul 2018 | Policy paper Department for Education linked

Fostering better outcomes

Government response to the Foster Care in England report and the Education Select Committee’s inquiry into fostering.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Fostering better outcomes (62pp)

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↓ Fostering better outcomes - young people's version (2pp)

8 May 2015 | Policy paper Department for Education linked

2010 to 2015 government policy: looked-after children and adoption

How the government is reducing the time it takes to adopt and improving the quality of care for all looked-after children.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ 2010 to 2015 government policy: looked-after ch…