Lambeth Council is aiming to have 90% of children in its care looked after by local foster carers by 2030, a significant increase from the current 60%. This ambitious target was revealed during a Children's Services Scrutiny Sub-Committee meeting on Monday, September 7, 2026. The council's efforts have been described as quite exceptional in recruiting foster carers, attracting a new demographic and performing well nationally in recruitment, assessment, approval, and retention.

A young girl smiles joyfully, looking upwards with bright eyes.
A young girl smiles joyfully, looking upwards with bright eyes.

Andrews Osei, who is responsible for fostering recruitment, reported that Lambeth has seen considerable success in increasing the number of in-house foster carers. Over the past two years, 45 new foster carers have been added to the council's portfolio, and the council is on track to recruit another 24 this year. This success has been attributed to strong support and innovative practices.

Lambeth Council has been quite innovative in providing support, training and development for them, according to Mr Osei. This approach has attracted foster carers from other boroughs, suggesting that Lambeth is performing well nationally in recruitment, assessment, approval, and retention of foster carers. Dr. Andrea Warman, Chair of the Fostering and Adoption Panel, praised Lambeth's recruitment efforts and noted that the council's approach of building a local community of well-supported foster carers is working effectively. She also identified an area for improvement in hearing the voice of children and their experience of foster care more strongly within panel reports, suggesting joint work to incorporate creative ways of representing children's views.

A man and a young child happily playing with building blocks together.
A man and a young child happily playing with building blocks together.

While a specific retention rate was not provided, the council is working hard to ensure newly recruited carers remain long-term. Dr. Warman highlighted that the service offers a good package to their carers, which is based on what we know carers say they want, namely that they're heard, namely that they have support from their peers, that there are certain benefits like their council tax being paid, but also that they have access to good training, good support groups, and everybody's concerned about their wellbeing to make sure that they provide the quality of care that's needed.

This information was discussed at the Children's Services Scrutiny Sub-Committee meeting, details of which can be found in the Public reports pack and the Agenda frontsheet.

A group of young people are engaged in a discussion, with one person speaking and others listening attentively.
A group of young people are engaged in a discussion, with one person speaking and others listening attentively.