Special event seeks to recruit new foster carers
Devon County Council is hosting an information event next week (Tuesday 12th February) in a bid to encourage more people to consider becoming foster families and give those interested the chance to find out whether fostering would be suitable for them.
Devon has over 700 children in care, and just over 300 fostering households. However many current foster carers are approaching retirement age so the County Council needs to recruit new carers.
The children and young people needing foster care come from all sorts of backgrounds, and are unable to live with their own families for various reasons. The County Council is looking for a wide variety of carers to meet their differing needs whether it is for a short time whilst we help their family to resolve their problems or giving them a permanent home until they reach independence.
There are a number of different types of fostering, from emergency, respite care, temporary and long-term fostering, to specialist schemes helping those with challenging behaviour or looking after young people on remand. All carers are paid an allowance.
Anyone can be considered as long as they are over 21 and have a spare bedroom. There is no requirement to be married, be wealthy or already have children. Foster carers are fully supported through a social worker, regular support groups and excellent training.
Councillor Andrea Davis, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Children, Health and Wellbeing said: “There is always a demand for good foster carers in Devon to provide safe and caring homes for children and young people right through from birth to adulthood. It is vital that we help give children the best possible start in life and foster carers play an essential role in looking after some of Devon’s most vulnerable children.”
Councillor Davis continues: “I would encourage anyone thinking about fostering, or those who just want to find out more about what is involved, to come along to one of these events. It’s a great opportunity to ask questions and speak to those who have already been through the process to get more information and find out if it’s the right decision for you.”
Social workers and foster carers will be on hand to answer any questions from anyone interested in becoming a foster carer at the open evening on Tuesday 12 February. The event runs from 7pm-9pm at the Kenn Centre, Exeter Road, Kennford.
For more information visit www.devon.gov.uk/fostering
For more information about the events, or to register an interest please email foster@devon.gov.uk or call 0845 155 1013.
