Bexley Council is aiming to recruit 80 new foster carers as part of its Fostering Strategy for 2026-2030, a plan approved by the Public Cabinet on July 1, 2026. The strategy outlines ambitions to increase local fostering placements, improve their stability and quality, and strengthen support for existing foster carers. The council currently has 130 fostering households, and the strategy aims to increase this by 80, with a specific focus on teenagers and sibling groups (20 households) and children with severe and profound disabilities (10 households).
A key objective is to place 90% of children in care with local foster carers, keeping them connected to their community, and to place 80% of sibling groups together. Currently, the strategy aims to achieve these targets, but the existing percentages are not specified in the original document.
The strategy addresses the national shortage of foster carers, which has led to an increased reliance on independent fostering agencies at a higher cost and with less local connection for children. By increasing in-house provision, Bexley Council aims to reduce placement costs over time, reinvest in its own services, and create a more sustainable system. The strategy notes that external placements, particularly with independent fostering agencies, represent a significant high cost pressure.
To achieve these goals, the council is focusing on targeted recruitment campaigns, particularly in areas with a lack of foster carers such as Erith and Longlands. The strategy aims to attract a more diverse range of carers, including those from mixed heritage and Asian backgrounds, as well as younger carers and working households. Specific challenges have been identified in attracting these groups, including a shortage of carers skilled at caring for adolescents and children with complex care needs. To address this, fostering will be promoted as compatible with employment, supported by practical help with transport and school runs, flexible respite, and robust financial allowances. Targeted digital campaigns across social media platforms will be used to reach underrepresented groups.
The strategy also emphasizes strengthening support and retention for foster carers through enhanced training, supervision, peer networks, and financial packages. The 'Fostering Together' model aims to provide all new carers with immediate access to peer support and reduce placement breakdowns by embedding support within communities. The 'Host & Support' program offers supported accommodation for young people aged 16-21 preparing for independence, aiming to help them develop essential life skills in a safe environment and reduce housing instability.
Furthermore, the council is focusing on improving the quality of care provided by embedding trauma-informed practice and strengthening quality assurance to consistently deliver high standards. This includes improving placement stability, educational outcomes, and the emotional well-being of children.
Emergency care beds and parent and child placements are also key areas of focus to ensure immediate stability for children in crisis and support for vulnerable parents.
Progress on the strategy's delivery will be measured through key performance indicators, including the number of new fostering households recruited, placement stability rates, carer satisfaction, and improved outcomes for children. The full details of the Fostering Strategy 2026-2030 can be found in the Public reports pack presented to the Public Cabinet on July 1, 2026.
