The chronic shortage of foster carers is emphasised once again by research from the Fostering Network revealing the very low rates of pay which most foster carers receive. While pay is probably not the prime reason for most people becoming foster carers, the very low rates revealed in this research mean that many people will have to ask themselves the question "Can I afford to foster?" Inevitably in many cases the answer will be "No".
Having an adequate and well-funded fostering resource is essential. Any Government which declares itself committed to effective child protection must be willing to fund a sufficient supply of highly motivated and committed foster carers.
