Media & Press

In the press

Our scrapbook of newspaper clippings, government announcements, radio and online commentary on Rachel Cole, Founder and CEO of Black Foster Carers Alliance, and BFCA’s work for Black and Global Majority children in care.

Rachel Cole, Founder & CEO

As featured in Department for Education The Voice Metro Leicester Mercury BBC Radio Solent Pioneers Post UnLtd Churchill Fellowship

The clippings

Newspapers & national announcements

Leicester Mercury · News feature2026

She loved him. She just didn't know how to do his hair

A two-page spread on why most Black children in UK foster care are raised by white families, and how Rachel is building the practical support those families have never had — alongside the Black carer pipeline the system has never fixed. It covers BFCA’s Cultural Mentor Programme, BFCA Connect and its work with Leicester City Council.

“We need you. The children are already here.”

GOV.UK · Press release14 October 2026

National call to recruit more foster carers launched at Number 10

Rachel is quoted in the Department for Education’s launch of its national foster carer recruitment campaign, part of the plan for 10,000 new foster places.

“Too many Black children in care grow up without anyone around them who reflects who they are.”

The Voice20 October 2026

‘These are our community’s children’: urgent appeal issued for more Black foster carers

Britain’s Black newspaper covers BFCA’s call for Black families to turn a long tradition of community care into approved foster homes, and Rachel’s journey from a care leavers’ home to founding BFCA.

“These are our community’s children, and the answer has always been in our community too.”

Metro26 May 2024

Many Black children end up in care — this is what I’m fighting for

A Metro weekend read in Rachel’s own words on why she set up Black Foster Carers Alliance, and the change Black children in care need.

GOV.UK · DfE14 October 2026

Fostering Innovation Fund: successful applicants named

BFCA is named as the partner to Fostering South West on its Recruitment, Retention and Training Programme, funded by the Department for Education.

Pioneers Post9 November 2026

The social entrepreneurs who are making ‘systems change’ a reality

The social enterprise magazine profiles Rachel among UnLtd’s systems-change founders — covering BFCA’s documentary Fostering in Colour and her role shaping UnLtd’s Fostering Innovation Accelerator.

On the radio

Live on BBC Radio Solent

BBC Radio Solent13 November 2026

Rachel Cole live on BBC Radio Solent

Rachel joins BBC Radio Solent to talk about Black children in care and why more Black families are needed as foster carers.

Full interview · 16 mins

Awards & recognition

Innovation Leader in Children’s Services

Innovation & Excellence Awards 2026

Churchill Fellow

Winston Churchill Memorial Trust — research in Ghana, Atlanta and the Netherlands

UnLtd Award winner

Helped shape UnLtd’s Fostering Innovation Accelerator, 2026

Online commentary

Shared, quoted & recommended

UnLtd21 May 2026

Meet the social entrepreneurs shaping the future of foster care

Foster Care Fortnight profile of Rachel, BFCA’s work with Black and minority ethnic carers, and BFCA Connect.

Today’s Family LawyerOct 2026

Government launches drive for 10,000 foster care places

Quotes Rachel on representation for Black children in care.

Fairer Fostering2 Nov 2026

Care News: urgent appeal for more Black foster carers

Shares The Voice feature on BFCA’s appeal.

Churchill Fellowship9 Oct 2026

Reimagining Children’s Social Care

Rachel’s Fellow profile and report on culturally responsive mentoring in Ghana, Atlanta and the Netherlands.

The Fostering Network

The impact of racism on the fostering community

Lists BFCA as a recommended organisation for support.

The Black Care ExperienceMay 2024

Introducing Black Foster Carers Alliance

Network Newsletter, Issue 7 — BFCA’s first national introduction.

The Lead2024

Foster care in crisis

Rachel describes BFCA as a “vehicle of change” for Black and ethnic minority carers.

Media enquiries

For interviews, comment or press packs with Rachel Cole, get in touch with the BFCA media team.

Email: events@blackfostercarersalliance.co.uk
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