Charity praises Government's £88m funding package for foster carers

Fair Ways welcomed the Government's package of reforms backed by £88m aimed at increasing foster carers in England; the charity noted its local work including the Fostering Friendly Employer Charter and Portsmouth becoming the UK's first Fostering Friendly City.

A charity has welcomed the UK Government's announcement of a package of reforms backed by £88m. Fair Ways said the measures aim to recruit thousands of new foster carers, broaden eligibility, remove barriers to fostering and improve support for existing foster families. The organisation provides fostering services across Hampshire and surrounding counties and reinvests all income into services underpinned by trauma-informed practice. Over the past year Fair Ways worked with local partners, led the Fostering Friendly Employer Charter and partnered with Portsmouth City Council to increase awareness about fostering. Key points: - The Government announced a package of reforms backed by £88m to recruit carers, broaden eligibility, remove barriers and improve support for foster families. - Fair Ways praised the commitment and highlighted its trauma-informed fostering services across Hampshire and nearby counties. - Fair Ways led the Fostering Friendly Employer Charter and helped make Portsmouth the UK's first Fostering Friendly City. - More than 100 businesses have pledged workplace support for foster carers. - Government data shows the number of foster carers in England fell from 63,890 in 2021 to 56,345 in March 2025, affecting placement availability. Summary: The funding and reforms are presented as measures to expand and strengthen fostering provision in England and may address pressures from a reported fall in fostering households since 2021. Undetermined at this time.