Published on Monday 09 February 2026
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council is backing a new regional fostering campaign that puts the voices and experiences of children at its heart — at a time when demand for local foster carers has never been higher.
Across the country, there is a national shortage of foster carers, and locally the number of children in care continues to rise. BCP Council currently has around 280 children and young people placed with in-house carers, yet more foster carers are urgently needed to ensure children can remain close to their schools, friends and support networks. Too often, due to a lack of local council foster homes, children must be placed 20 miles or more away from their communities.
The What I Need Most campaign, run by Fostering South West, a regional partnership of local authorities that includes BCP Council, invites residents to see fostering through the eyes of a child and highlights how small, everyday acts of care can have a lifelong impact
BCP Council has more than 300 foster carers across over 200 households, with 62% offering homes for children aged 11 and over.
The Council is encouraging residents to consider the wide range of flexible fostering opportunities available, from fulltime fostering to shared care, supported lodgings, and short break support.
Cllr Richard Burton, Portfolio Holder for Children and Young People at BCP Council, said:
“Our children and young people deserve the best opportunities to succeed in life, and it’s vital we put their voice at the heart of fostering so we can give them the support they need.
“Foster carers are the underrated heroes of our community. Their compassion and commitment help shape brighter futures for children across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.”
Ian Jarman, from Fostering South West, said:
“At Fostering South West, we know that what children need most is simple: love, safety, and someone who believes in them.
“This campaign brings their voices to the forefront and invites people across our region to imagine the difference they could make as a local council foster carer.”
There are often misconceptions about who can foster, but BCP Council’s friendly team is on hand to offer advice, answer questions and guide people through every step of the process.
Applicants from all backgrounds, ages and walks of life are encouraged to come forward. What matters most is the ability to provide a safe, stable and nurturing home for a child or young person.
Find out more about fostering with BCP Council: BCP Fostering | BCP Fostering