Issue

foster carers

4 stories · discussed at 2 council meetings · 5 councils

Councils are currently focusing on increasing foster carer numbers and improving placement sufficiency for children who cannot live with their birth parents.

Redbridge Council decided in July 2026 to continue its participation in a regional fostering recruitment service, with Waltham Forest as the lead authority, to boost foster carer numbers. Barking and Dagenham Council's Cabinet approved its Looked After Children Sufficiency Strategy 2026-2030 in July 2026, aiming to ensure sufficient, high-quality placements for children in care. Lewisham Council intensified efforts to recruit more foster carers in March 2026.

Lewisham Council is set to open its own children's home in Sydenham, as reported in July 2026, which is expected to save £700,000 annually. A report to the Health and Wellbeing Board in March 2026 noted that Lewisham's reliance on residential use and independent fostering agencies is increasing, impacting cost and stability. Foster carers are individuals who provide temporary care for children who cannot live with their birth parents. No upcoming meetings are currently scheduled to discuss foster carers.

Key facts

  1. Redbridge Council decided in July 2026 to continue its regional fostering recruitment service. Source
  2. Barking and Dagenham Council's Cabinet approved its Looked After Children Sufficiency Strategy 2026-2030 in July 2026. Source
  3. Lewisham Council is opening its own children's home, expected to save £700,000 annually. Source
  4. Lewisham Council secured £800,000 in grant funding from the Department for Education for the children's home. Source
  5. Lewisham Council intensified efforts to recruit more foster carers in March 2026. Source
About this summary

This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on, with background from Wikipedia. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 30 September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.

Latest stories

  1. Redbridge Council Continues Regional Fostering Recruitment Service Redbridge Council has confirmed its continued participation in a regional fostering recruitment service, a move aimed at boosting the number of foster carers across the borough. Redbridge 21 July 2026
  2. Barking & Dagenham Council Approves New Strategy to Improve Care for Looked-After Children Barking and Dagenham Council's Cabinet has approved a new comprehensive strategy aimed at improving the lives of looked-after children and those at risk of entering care. Barking and Dagenham 16 July 2026
  3. Lewisham Council to Open Own Children's Home in Sydenham, Aiming for £700,000 Annual Savings Lewisham Council is set to open its own children's home in Sydenham, a move expected to save £700,000 annually and provide greater control over residential care for children in... Lewisham 1 July 2026
  4. Lewisham Boosts Foster Care Recruitment Efforts Lewisham Council is intensifying its efforts to recruit more foster carers, aiming to reduce reliance on costly external agencies and residential care. The initiative, endorsed... Lewisham 18 March 2026