- Labour Government launches plan to create homes for 10,000 more children through fostering
- Strategy builds on work done by Plymouth Council in expanding local provision, including first council-run children’s home in many years
- Investment in fostering support, including Mockingbird, to help children stay close to home
Luke Pollard MP has welcomed the Labour Government’s new Renewing Fostering Action Plan, which will expand fostering, strengthen support for carers and help ensure more children in care can grow up in safe, loving family homes close to the communities they know.
Foster carers provide love, stability and belonging to thousands of children every day. However, the number of foster carers has fallen in recent years while the number of children needing care has risen, leading to instability, placements far from home and greater reliance on expensive and often unsuitable provision.
The government’s new strategy sets a clear ambition to create homes for 10,000 more children to grow up in foster families, backed by £88 million. Measures include a national recruitment campaign, stronger regional fostering hubs, new digital tools to support applicants, and funding to help experienced foster carers create home extensions.
The strategy includes:
- A national fostering recruitment and awareness campaign, encouraging more people from a wider range of backgrounds to apply
- Up to £25 million in capital funding (‘Room Makers’) to help experienced foster carers adapt or expand their homes, increasing capacity – particularly for siblings, teenagers and children with complex needs
- £12.8 million to expand and redesign Regional Fostering Hubs, creating a single regional ‘front door’ and supporting carers from initial enquiry through approval and into ongoing support
- A national innovation programme (at least £12.4 million) to test and scale new fostering models, including step-down care from residential settings and approaches that keep children connected to trusted adults
- Stronger training and peer support for carers, including the continued rollout of Mockingbird, with funding expected to deliver over 100 new constellations
- Fairer handling of allegations, with safeguarding remaining paramount but clearer expectations of support and continued financial backing for carers during investigations
- A simpler rulebook that puts trusted relationships first, giving foster carers greater delegated authority to make everyday decisions and helping children experience more normal family life
In Plymouth, this national reform is being matched by local action to strengthen care closer to home. After many years without any council-run residential provision for looked-after children, Plymouth City Council has now purchased its first children’s home, a major step towards ensuring more children can be supported and cared for in their home city.
The home will open in the coming and will provide short-term care for two to three children, supported by trained practitioners available 24/7 and a dedicated Registered Manager. Children will continue attending local schools and taking part in community activities, with tailored support to help them return home or transition into foster care at the right time.
Alongside this, Plymouth continues to invest in its Foster for Plymouth service, actively recruiting foster carers locally so more children can benefit from care in family homes wherever possible.
Plymouth has also been at the forefront of innovative support for carers through Mockingbird, introduced in 2024 in partnership with The Fostering Network. Following the success of earlier constellations, Plymouth has now launched its fourth Mockingbird constellation, supporting eight fostering households and providing carers with practical help, emotional support and respite through a trusted network that feels like family.
“Foster carers provide love, stability and belonging to children who need it most. This new national plan is about renewing fostering - recruiting and retaining more carers, cutting unnecessary bureaucracy, and backing carers with the support they deserve. “Here in Plymouth, we’re matching that ambition locally. From expanding Foster for Plymouth and growing Mockingbird, to opening the first council-run children’s home in many years, the focus is on keeping children close to home, near their schools, friends and communities. “If you’ve ever thought about fostering, I’d encourage you to find out more. There are fewer barriers than people think, and the difference you can make to a child’s life is enormous.” - Luke Pollard MP
“The purchase of this home is a hugely positive moment for Plymouth’s children, but it’s also part of a much wider strategy to make sure every child in our care has the stability, support and sense of belonging they deserve. “I am delighted to see the Government investing seriously in fostering, rather than just paying lip service to supporting councils and carers. This commitment gives us the tools to build on the good work already happening in Plymouth and to keep more children close to home, in safe environments and able to achieve their full potential.” - Councillor Jemima Laing, Deputy Leader of Plymouth City Council and Cabinet Member for Children’s Social Care
Anyone interested in fostering in Plymouth can find out more at fosterforplymouth.co.uk, email [email protected], or call 01752 308762.