10 Ways to Recruit More Foster Carers in 2025

The fostering crisis is real. Not enough carers. Too many children waiting.

But some agencies are recruiting MORE carers than ever. Here's how.

1. Respond in Under 60 Seconds

Most agencies take 48 hours to respond to enquiries. By then, the person has moved on.

Set up automated responses that:

• Acknowledge immediately
• Answer common questions
• Book them into your calendar
• Keep them warm until you call

2. Track Every Enquiry

You can't improve what you don't measure. Track:

• Where enquiries come from
• Response times
• Conversion rates
• Drop-off points

3. Follow Up Religiously

Most carers don't decide on first contact. Follow up:

• Day 1: Initial response
• Day 3: Information sent
• Day 7: Check if they have questions
• Day 14: Invitation to information event
• Day 30: Final check-in

4. Make It Easy to Apply

Your application process shouldn't take hours. Simplify:

• Online applications
• Save and continue later
• Mobile-friendly forms
• Progress indicators

5. Host Regular Info Events

Monthly (or more) information events:

• Virtual and in-person
• Evening and weekend options
• Bring existing carers to speak
• Q&A sessions

6. Leverage Social Proof

People trust other people. Show:

• Video testimonials from carers
• Success stories
• "Day in the life" content
• Real photos of your team

7. Speed Up Assessments

The faster you assess, the less chance they change their mind:

• Clear timeline from day one
• Regular updates
• No unnecessary delays
• Parallel processing where possible

8. Stay Top of Mind

Most people don't decide to foster immediately. Nurture:

• Monthly newsletter
• Success stories
• Training opportunities
• Community events

9. Ask for Referrals

Your best carers know people like them:

• Referral incentives
• Make it easy to share
• Thank them publicly
• Track referral sources

10. Use Technology

Stop using spreadsheets. Use software that:

• Captures enquiries automatically
• Responds instantly
• Tracks everything
• Reminds you to follow up
• Shows what's working

The Numbers

Agencies using these strategies are seeing:

• 2x more enquiries convert
• 40% faster response times
• 30% more applications complete
• 50% less admin time

Want to implement this?

Calculate your potential impact or see how we help.

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AgencySoftware.io automates recruitment, so you can focus on supporting carers.