FosterWiki in Community Care – Half of the foster carers considering quitting due to the cost of living crisis
A large majority of carers have to cut back on essentials, as rising prices risk deepening fostering shortages.
Author: Anastasia Koutsounia
Published by Community Care
Published on August 2nd 2022
Over half (54%) of foster carers are considering resigning because of the cost of living crisis, a survey of over 1,000 has found.
Information and advice service FosterWiki revealed that, of 1036 respondents to its survey, most (89%) had resorted to cutting back on essentials including food, heating, fuel and everyday activities with children.
A majority (88%) had also received no financial aid from local authorities or independent fostering agencies (IFAs) to battle the rising costs, with 2.5% turning to food banks for help.
With fuel prices soaring, just 6% said they had their mileage costs covered, while for 71% rates did not cover their costs and almost a quarter (23%) got no mileage allowance at all.
The findings come amid significant challenges in recruiting and retaining foster cares, with a 2021 analysis by think-tank the Social Market Foundation predicting a shortage of 25,000 carers in England by 2026.Information and advice service FosterWiki revealed that, of 1036 respondents to its survey, most (89%) had resorted to cutting back on essentials including food, heating, fuel and everyday activities with children.
The Independent Review of Children’s Social Care also raised similar concerns in its final report in May, recommending a drive to recruit 9,000 foster carers in England over the next three years.
Community Care, 2022
