As the UK faces a growing shortage of foster carers, particularly for children with complex physical and mental health needs, new research reveals how a much-loved fictional character helped shape a generation’s understanding of life in care.
Ahead of the 35th anniversary of Tracy Beaker on 14 February, new findings from National Fostering Group (NFG) show the iconic character inspired one in five current foster carers (21%) to start fostering, while helping many more understand the realities faced by children growing up in care.
The research found that:
● 50% of foster carers in the UK say Tracy Beaker helped them better understand what life in care is like
● 61% say the stories increased their empathy towards children in care
● 51% believe positive portrayals like Tracy Beaker’s can encourage more people to foster
● 50% of all UK adults want more positive fostering storylines in TV, film and books to reduce stigma
Rising need and increasingly complex care
Despite this legacy of awareness, new Freedom of Information (FOI) data from local authorities highlights the scale of the challenge facing the fostering system today.
Responses show that 13,280 foster carers are urgently needed, alongside evidence that more children entering care have additional and complex needs, including physical disabilities, trauma-related needs, neurodiverse conditions and emotional or behavioural challenges.
FOI data shows the number of children entering care with disabilities has increased by more than 33% in the past year alone, adding further pressure to an already stretched system.
Who is needed now
While people from all walks of life can foster, children with higher needs often benefit from carers with experience in care-giving or public service roles, such as teaching, nursing, social care or the emergency services.
Currently, 28% of foster carers come from healthcare or public sector roles before fostering – but demand for carers with these skills continues to grow.
All foster carers receive full training, ongoing professional development and 24/7 specialist support, ensuring they are never left to manage alone and are equipped to meet children’s needs. While it isn’t the reason most people choose to foster, foster carers also receive a tax-free allowance of up to £24,500 per year, per child, to help cover the time, care and costs involved.
Tracy Beaker’s legacy and the challenge ahead
Tim Barclay, CEO of National Fostering Group, said:
“For 35 years, Tracy Beaker has helped the nation understand what life in care can be like. But today, the need for foster carers is more urgent than ever, with more children entering care with additional needs. Fostering isn’t always easy, but it is hugely rewarding – and people from backgrounds such as teaching, nursing, social care or the emergency services often bring valuable experience. With the right training and 24/7 support, opening your home can truly transform a child’s future.”
John B, 56, from Sunderland, began fostering in 2024 after retiring and once his own daughters had left home. He shares his perspective on how influential Tracy Beaker was for him:
“Tracy Beaker was always on the television at home – my daughter loved the show. It gave a real glimpse into the lives of children in care and made you stop and think about what they’ve been through, and what they might need from someone to help make their lives better.
“Looking back now, I do think programmes like Tracy Beaker plant a seed. They get you thinking, and that must have played a part in my decision to foster. We need more shows like this that show the realities of children in care, because honest and positive portrayals really can make people pause and consider fostering – and change a child’s life.”
The research also shows how fostering remains deeply rewarding, with 84% of foster carers saying they would recommend it to others. The most commonly cited rewards include:
● Making a positive difference (79%)
● Helping children navigate challenges (60%)
● Seeing children grow and develop (48%)
For more information, visit www.nfa.co.uk.
