Berlin needs more foster families as the number of foster children falls

Berlin is looking for more foster families, especially for babies and toddlers, as both the number of foster children and the number of available placements have declined over recent years.

A total of 2,001 children and adolescents lived with foster families in Berlin at the end of 2025, according to figures from the Senate administration for Education, Youth and Family. That was down from 2,820 in 2015. The number increased slightly from 1,978 in 2024, marking the first year-on-year rise in the period described.

The number of occupied foster placements has also fallen. Berlin recorded 1,620 occupied placements at the end of 2021, compared with 1,466 at the end of 2025. Several foster children can live in one placement. Other young people live in residential facilities, including group homes and supported housing. The administration said 6,650 young people were in such facilities at the end of 2025.

Children may enter foster care when their parents cannot manage their responsibilities and the child’s welfare is at risk. Short-term placements generally last three to six months, while children in long-term full-time care usually remain with their foster family until they turn 18.

“Berlin still needs additional foster families,” the administration said. It is seeking placements for permanent care and short-term emergency admissions. At the end of 2025, 110 infants and children aged up to three were living in children’s group homes because foster-family placements were unavailable. Berlin plans to establish citywide emergency crisis foster care, with at least two placements in each district for children aged between birth and six years.

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Berlin still needs additional foster families.