Buckinghamshire seeks new foster homes as 500 children await support
Buckinghamshire Council is calling for residents to step forward as foster carers during Foster Care Fortnight 2026. The national campaign, which runs from May 11 to May 24, aims to highlight the transformative role foster families play in the lives of vulnerable children across the county.
Led by The Fostering Network, this year’s theme, “This Is Fostering,” focuses on the daily reality of the role. It showcases the positive impact carers have while acknowledging the pressures currently facing the fostering community. The campaign serves as both a celebration of existing carers and a call for greater local support.
Addressing the urgent need for stable homes in Buckinghamshire
Despite approving 42 new foster carers during the 2025–26 period, Buckinghamshire still faces a significant shortfall. There are currently more than 500 looked-after children and young people in the county who require stable and compassionate environments.
Carl Jackson, Buckinghamshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Education and Children’s Services, emphasized that foster carers offer vital stability during the most challenging periods of a child’s life. He noted that becoming a carer allows individuals to help children feel safe, valued, and capable of thriving.
Local families already involved in the service describe the experience as a journey of healing and laughter. Many highlight the reward of seeing a home “full of life” and knowing they are helping to shape a brighter future for a young person. This sentiment aligns with real stories of impact from foster families shared in other parts of the country, where the focus remains on the long-term emotional benefits for both the child and the carer.
Focusing on trauma-informed support and relational repair
To support its network of carers, Buckinghamshire Council hosted its annual Foster Carers’ Conference on May 8. The event served as a platform for carers to connect and develop specialized skills. This year’s sessions focused specifically on “Relational Repair,” a critical aspect of caring for children who have experienced significant adversity.
The conference featured Dr. Karen Treisman, a renowned expert in trauma, attachment, and child protection. Dr. Treisman provided insights into building trust and empathy, equipping Buckinghamshire carers with trauma-informed techniques. These tools are designed to help carers better meet the complex needs of children who have faced loss or displacement.
Opportunities for residents and local businesses to help
The council is particularly interested in hearing from residents who can provide therapeutic foster care or specialist placements for children with complex requirements. However, the call for help extends beyond individual households to the local economy.
Businesses and organizations are being encouraged to join the “Fostering Friendly” initiative. This involves pledging practical support for employees who foster, such as implementing flexible working hours or supportive HR policies. Similar to fostering friendly initiatives in neighboring regions, these corporate pledges help create a community-wide safety net for foster families.
Residents interested in learning more about the Foster with Bucks community can attend upcoming information events or sign up for digital updates through the council’s dedicated fostering portal. These sessions provide a breakdown of the application process, the training provided, and the ongoing support available to every local carer.
Source: Buckinghamshire Council
