A shortage of foster homes in Swindon means 120 children are living outside the county, Swindon24 reported on Monday 28 September 2026. The figure was given at a Swindon Borough Council fostering summit on recruitment and the barriers to fostering, held alongside an exhibition of artwork by children in foster care.
Laurie Gullaschsen, the council's service manager for foster carers, said: "We have 120 children placed out of county. So we need at least 120." She added: "We know that children do better when they're placed closer to home."
The numbers
- 49 children live with the council's mainstream foster carers
- 44 live with kinship carers
- around 180 foster carers in Swindon look after children from other areas; the council said it does not want to disrupt those placements but hopes new carers will foster directly for Swindon
What is getting in the way?
Sandra, who has fostered for more than 20 years, said: "It is very tough, and it is 24/7." She called for better financial rewards so the council can compete with independent fostering agencies. Councillor Kate Tomlinson, the Cabinet Member responsible for children's services, did not commit to a specific increase. She said: "We've got too many children who are being placed outside of the borough".
Housing, and bedroom space in particular, was raised as an obstacle. The council said it can already take extra space into account, and one carer was given an extra room in the past year.
The council is also introducing flexible arrangements, including part-time fostering and weekend respite.
Local artist Charlotte Snipe made three pieces in response to the children's artwork.
More from Swindo: fostering in Swindon.
Source: Swindon24.