In 2023, it was reported that over 80,000 children were in care across the UK, a figure that has steadily increased over the past decade. At the same time, the number of approved fostering households has dwindled, with The Fostering Network noting a worrying shortfall of around 8,000 foster carers needed to meet demand. The maths doesn’t add up, and it’s the young people in care who are paying the price.