Fall in number of foster carers in Scotland

The number of foster carers in Scotland has fallen, figures show.

The fostering and adoption statistical report for 2021-22 from the Care Inspectorate shows there were 3,415 approved foster care households in December 2021 – down 3.5 per cent on the number in 2020. The Care Inspectorate said that continued falls seen in the previous two years.

The report also shows that the number of children and young people in foster care has decreased, from 5,315 in 2017 to 4,344 in December 2021.