The 2026 FCAV Foster Carer Snapshot Report, collected for March of 2026 reflects a stabilisation of active foster carer households, with steady non-active carers households and an increase in carers going through the accreditation process. Despite the increase in carers going through accreditation, this has not translated into substantial growth in active carer households.

Compared with pre-pandemic levels in 2020, Victoria has 18% fewer active carer households available to provide home-based care in 2026. Without sustained intervention, the system is likely to continue operating with a diminished and further stretched pool of carer households, with direct implications for placement availability and continuity of care for children and young people.