• Foster carers in North Yorkshire met with councillors in Thirsk on Wednesday 7 February to confront them over the local care crisis 
• 1 in 4 carers who were fostering for North Yorkshire council in 2021 have now left, leading to concerns about instability and inexperience facing vulnerable children within the system
• Carers belonging to the IWGB Foster Care Workers Union point to a shortage in financial and practical support, and a lack of respect for carers’ specialist skills and experience as the main issues prompting the capacity crisis

Thursday 8 February: On Wednesday 7 February, foster carers in North Yorkshire met with councillors to confront them over the local foster care crisis and seek commitments for positive change. One in four carers who were fostering for North Yorkshire council in 2021 have now left, leading to concerns about instability and inexperience facing vulnerable children within the system. 

At the meeting, organised by carers belonging to the IWGB Foster Care Workers Union, speakers pointed to a lack of financial and practical support, as well as a failure to respect carers’ experience and specialist skills, as key reasons behind the dramatic drop in the number of local carers. 

Councillors representing the Conservative, Green and Lib Dem parties listened as foster carers put forward three demands: restoration of the allowances they receive to cover the costs of childcare; exemption from council tax in line with other UK councils; and respect for the skills, knowledge and experience needed for the challenging roles they do. 

Tim Larner, a carer who has fostered in North Yorkshire for over 28 years, said: “As carers we foster out of love, but love doesn’t pay the bills. If North Yorkshire Council doesn’t give us a substantial rise now to meet our outgoings, then the mass exodus of carers in recent years will only gain pace. Despite being skilled professionals with years of experience providing nurturing homes and 24/7 specialist care, our voices are rarely heard when we raise concerns. It’s time for the Council to take their fingers out of their ears, listen to foster carers, and address this crisis before it’s too late.” 

Kenny Millard, Chair of the IWGB Foster Care Workers Union said:

“North Yorkshire Council are effectively turning their backs on the community’s most vulnerable children. Many of these children have suffered serious traumas in their early years and deserve a second start at life in a stable and well supported care system. Instead, the council is leaving foster families struggling to pay the bills, and children are being moved from home to home as carers are forced out one by one. The Council needs to intervene urgently with more support, to prevent catastrophe and protect these young peoples’ futures.” 

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Spokespeople are available. To arrange interviews or ask further questions please contact Ellie Butcher on 07883887613 or elliebutcher@iwgb.co.uk