Foster Care Fortnight

Categories:: Special Interest
Tags:: Awareness Educational Family
Where:: United Kingdom
Date change rule:: Every May 9
Holiday emoji:: 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

Foster Care Fortnight shines a light on the crucial role of foster families across the U.K. every year from May 9-22. Established in 1997 by The Fostering Network, this campaign aims to raise awareness about the need for foster carers and celebrate their dedication. Discover how you can support children in care, learn about fostering, or spread the word.

Deals
Platforms
Social
Hero
History
Timeline
Businesses
FAQs
Importance
Observe

Expected Foster Care Fortnight Deals

As a vital awareness campaign, Foster Care Fortnight focuses on recruitment and support rather than commercial deals. Organizations like The Fostering Network partner with local authorities and charities to host information sessions, virtual events, and recruitment drives throughout the fortnight. Companies such as Marks & Spencer and Tesco have previously supported similar initiatives through in-store awareness campaigns or employee volunteering. Look for local fostering agencies to organize open days and online Q&A sessions. We will update this page with confirmed live events and support opportunities as May 9 approaches.

Platform Guide for Foster Care Fortnight

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #FosterCareFortnight. Share stories, resources, and calls to action to support fostering.

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #FosterCareFortnight. Engage with trending topics, share statistics, and retweet messages from fostering organizations.

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #FosterCareFortnight. Post visuals that highlight the positive impact of foster care and encourage community involvement.

Foster Care Fortnight Hero

Thomas Barnardo

Thomas Barnardo (1845-1905) was an Irish-born philanthropist who founded homes for destitute children in London. His pioneering work in the late 19th century laid much of the groundwork for modern child welfare and care systems, emphasizing protection and education for vulnerable youth.

History of Foster Care Fortnight

Foster Care Fortnight is a crucial awareness campaign. It’s Fostering Network’s largest foster care awareness-raising initiative. It has been running for more than 20 years and honors foster caregivers’ outstanding commitment, enthusiasm, and dedication. Foster Care Fortnight is the world’s largest foster care awareness-raising campaign, organized by the Fostering Network, a major fostering organization. The campaign, which began in 1997, highlights foster caregivers’ commitment, passion, and dedication. It also assists fostering services in emphasizing the need for more foster carers.

Foster care is a state-authorized system in which a child or young person is positioned with a ward, foster family, or private house of a state-certified caretaker, referred to as a foster parent, or with a family member approved by the state. Normally, the child’s placement is organized through the government or a social service agency. Unless accompanied by a family member, the organization, or foster family, is compensated for expenditures with a grant.

Every year, thousands of new foster families are needed to care for children, with the largest need being for foster homes for disabled children, grouped siblings, older children, and unaccompanied asylum seekers. Foster Care Fortnight reminds us of the urgent needs of these children and directs us all toward answers. This holiday is the perfect time to explore the foster carer route. Learn more about what it means to be a foster carer and how the foster system works. Be proactive during the two weeks and learn how the fostering agencies and local authorities work together to place children in homes.

Foster Care Fortnight timeline

1896

Legislation Governing the First Adoption

Western Australia approves the first adoption legislation.

1976

The Adoption Act is Established

The Adoption Act is established in the U.K.

2002

Child Welfare Becomes Paramount

The Adoption Act of 2002 prioritizes child welfare as a factor for adoption agencies to consider.

2011

The Census Includes Foster Children

Census statistics begin to include children in foster care.

How Businesses Can Celebrate Foster Care Fortnight

Local businesses can play a significant role in supporting Foster Care Fortnight by raising awareness and offering practical help. Consider hosting a fundraiser for a local fostering agency or displaying informational materials about becoming a foster carer. Retailers could offer discounts to foster families, while cafes might host informal Q&A sessions with fostering professionals to engage the community and encourage participation.

Foster Care Fortnight FAQs

When is Foster Care Fortnight?

Foster Care Fortnight 2027 will take place from Sunday, May 9 through Saturday, May 22. It’s a key period for The Fostering Network to promote awareness and recruit new carers.

How many children are in foster care in the U.K.?

Each year, around 80,000 children are in the care of local authorities in the U.K., with foster care being the most common placement. The Fostering Network consistently highlights the ongoing need for more foster families to meet this demand.

What is the Fostering Network?

As the primary voice for fostering in the UK, The Fostering Network provides advice, information, and a community for foster carers. Their annual Fortnight campaign is crucial for national recruitment efforts.

What is the difference between foster care and adoption?

While both offer children a stable home, foster care is a short-term or long-term arrangement where legal parental responsibility remains with the local authority. Adoption legally transfers all parental rights and responsibilities to the adoptive parents, creating a new permanent family.

How to Observe Foster Care Fortnight

Spread the word
Do your part in raising awareness regarding child welfare to help people understand the significance of this holiday. The more you share, the more likely it is to make an impact.
Start a charitable fund
You can donate or encourage people to give to any foster care to help children and youth make a difference and to help out in dangerous circumstances. Every effort counts.
Become a foster carer
Research the requirements for becoming a foster carer in your area. Give children the chance to develop in a loving environment.

5 Sobering Facts About Foster Care

Poor odds
Children in foster care are less likely to finish high school.
Post-traumatic stress disorder
Former foster adolescents are twice as likely as veterans to develop P.T.S.D.
Full house
According to the Fostering Network, on any given day, there are about 83,000 young people in foster care in the U.K.
Youngsters
Most of the children in foster care are between the ages of 10 and 15.
Weekly allowance
The government has specified a weekly allowance for children in foster care.

Why Foster Care Fortnight is Important

Celebrating the foster care community
It raises awareness about the importance of foster care and its impact on the community. The effort of carers and local authorities is recognized and appreciated during the observance.
It contributes to saving children
One of the main objectives that foster homes have today is to protect children from possibly dangerous social environments. This platform aids in the support and awareness of all foster care homes, as well as the provision of some necessary facilities.
Making the world a better place
Our world is much warmer and a little brighter when we stand up for those who need help. Foster Care Fortnight celebrates the spirit of love and inclusion.