Given that foster carers are a scarce resource it is essential that every effort is made to retain their services. This paper considers the role played by social workers in this endeavour. The results reported here form part of larger study, involving seven local authorities, concerned with the wider issues of supporting foster placements. The paper describes the qualities sought of social workers by foster carers and discusses the relationship between these qualities and the likelihood that carers will continue fostering. It was found that carers are highly satisfied with the job of fostering, are committed to it and view social workers as a vital source of support. Promoting good relationships between social workers and foster carers is therefore an important element in any strategy that aims to retain good foster carers.

A follow‐up study of 141 young people in 48 children’s homes examined changes in their moods, relationships with their family and adjustment. The average scores of the group on these variables changed little between first interview and follow‐up 6–9 months later. However, some individuals improved and others deteriorated. Improvements in family relationships were more likely in homes where the head of home could describe strategies for fostering family ties. Improvements in adjustment were also more likely in homes where the head of home could articulate ways of enabling change in key areas of the residents’ lives. Residents who spoke of attempts to bully them were more distressed at the time of the first interview and less adjusted at follow‐up. The study underlines the damaging effects of bullying and the key role of the head of home.