Do you have what it takes to foster?

Derbyshire County Council is calling on more people to consider fostering by showing people they may already have what it takes to become a foster carer.

The council is part of Foster for East Midlands Councils (FFEMC) – a regional fostering hub working together with Derby City Council, Nottinghamshire County Council and Nottingham City Council.

FFEMC is supporting the Department for Education’s campaign which aims to show how everyday acts of care and challenging myths about who can foster can help children feel safe, supported and make a lasting difference to their life.

The campaign aims to reassure people that training, guidance and ongoing support can help them develop the skills and confidence they need to foster and encourages anyone considering fostering to find out more before ruling themselves out.

New research reveals two thirds of people (66%) believe they could be a good foster carer if the practical barriers they perceive were removed. Yet 15% say doubts about their own ability are the single biggest factor that could prevent them from fostering.

Across the country, the number of foster carers fell from 63,890 in 2021 to 56,345 in March 2025, a 12% drop, while the number of looked after children has risen by nearly 20% over the past decade.

Myths around the type of person who can foster and how fostering can fit into everyday life led to 43% believing fostering is incompatible with working full time with 30% believing previous childcare experience or qualifications are needed.

Yet foster carers themselves often challenge these assumptions with people from a wide range of backgrounds successfully combining fostering with everyday family life.

Hayley, from Derbyshire, has been fostering for more than 16 years. When she first considered fostering, she was a single mum with a young son about to start primary school.

She has supported children through some of the most important moments of their lives and has seen first-hand the difference fostering can make.

Hayley said: “I didn’t know whether I was too young or whether being a single carer would go against me, but it didn’t. About nine months later we welcomed our first child.

“There are loads of little things, but the biggest win is when a child starts to trust you, listens to your advice and you see them growing into themselves.”

While many people focus on the practical aspects of fostering, foster carers often say it is the everyday moments that have the greatest impact on children and young people.

Nikki, who has been fostering for Derbyshire for more than a year alongside her husband, said one of her favourite aspects of fostering is watching children reach important milestones and seeing the progress they make in a nurturing environment.

Nikki said: “It’s just like going through all those milestones again and just seeing the joy that they bring to you.”

Councillor Paul Maginnis, Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Families, said: “Foster carers play a vital role in helping children and young people feel safe, supported and valued.

“Many people already have the qualities needed to foster but may not realise it because of common misconceptions about who can apply.

“We are working together to recruit and support more local foster carers. If you’ve ever considered fostering, I would encourage you to find out more before ruling yourself out.”

The Department for Education aims to create 10,000 new foster care places by 2029 to help ensure more children and young people can access the safe and supportive homes they need.

Anyone interested in fostering can find out more through Foster for East Midlands Councils by visiting www.fosterforeastmidlands.org.uk or calling 03033 132950.