Yes, there is a significant crisis in children's social care in the UK as of mid-2025, with widespread shortages in placements, a decline in new adopters, and adoption and placement agencies struggling with the consequences. Factors contributing to this include a severe lack of suitable foster placements, a significant drop in inquiries from prospective adopters, high costs for placements, and a need for better support for families. 

Key Issues in 2025:

Adopter Shortage:

There is a growing shortfall of adopter families, with figures from July 2025 showing a 750 family deficit and a rise in children waiting over a year for an adoptive placement. 

Placement Scarcity:

A severe shortage of suitable placements for children in care is making the system strained, leading to more children being placed outside their local authority and further from home. 

Cost of Living Crisis:

The cost of living crisis is a major factor, with many prospective parents unable to afford to adopt, leading to a significant drop in adoption inquiries. 

Under-resourced Agencies:

Regional Adoption Agencies and placement teams are struggling to secure enough foster carers and adopters, leading to a focus on filling foster carer roles over adopter recruitment. 

Adopter Strain:

Adopters are under immense strain due to challenges in accessing vital post-adoption support and therapy, with some families struggling to secure the help needed for their adopted children. 

Factors Contributing to the Crisis:

Workforce Issues:

Low pay, poor prestige, and working conditions lead to workers being exploited and underpaid, contributing to recruitment and retention problems in the sector. 

Market Dysfunction:

The market is not meeting the needs of children and families, with high costs for placements and providers making high profits, according to the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA). 

Lack of Post-Adoption Support:

There are ongoing concerns about the adequacy of support for adoptive families, with a particular need for robust, timely therapeutic support for adopted children, according to Adoption UK. 

Government Measures:

The government is introducing measures, including funding for children's social care reform and provisions in the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill, to address market imbalances, profit levels, and regulation of placements.