A charity has praised the Government’s announcement of a package of reforms backed by £88m in funding.
Fair Ways has welcomed the Government’s pledge to increase the number of foster carers across England, calling it an “important step towards ensuring more children can access stable, family-based care.”
The Government has revealed a package of reforms, backed by £88m in funding, aimed at "recruiting thousands of new carers, broadening eligibility, removing barriers to fostering, and improving support for existing foster families".
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The charity, which provides fostering services across Hampshire and the surrounding counties, has lauded the Government's commitment and its focus "on strengthening fostering provision and improving outcomes for children in care".
The organisation reinvests all income into services and delivers fostering support underpinned by specialist, trauma-informed practice to help children feel safe, supported and secure.
Over the past year, Fair Ways has worked with local partners, communities and stakeholders to increase awareness about fostering, and to support the recruitment and retention of foster carers.
This includes providing comprehensive training and support and leading initiatives like the Fostering Friendly Employer Charter, which encourages workplaces to adopt policies that help those who foster or want to foster.
These efforts have led to Portsmouth becoming the UK's first Fostering Friendly City.
More than 100 businesses have pledged to support foster carers in the workplace.
It has also partnered with Portsmouth City Council's Foster Portsmouth to broaden support networks and increase awareness about the vital role of foster carers.
Despite these efforts, recent figures indicate a decline in fostering households across England.
Government data shows the number of foster carers fell from 63,890 in 2021 to 56,345 in March 2025.
This has made it increasingly difficult for children to be placed in family environments.
Fair Ways is encouraging individuals interested in fostering to explore the opportunity further.
The organisation offers guidance through the fostering process and provides ongoing professional and emotional support to foster carers.
