Devon County Council's fostering service is asking local residents to make a connection to fostering as part of Foster Care Fortnight 2015, to raise awareness of the need to recruit more foster carers.

With around 650 children currently in the care of the local authority, the Council is asking people if they believe they have the skills to make a positive change to the lives of children and young people, then consider becoming a foster carer.

This year’s Foster Care Fortnight, with a theme of ‘make a connection’, asks people to talk about what fostering means to them, their family, and their friends. It is also about busting myths about fostering and focusing on the skills and experience needed to become a foster carer and to provide a loving home for vulnerable children.

For the vast majority of children in Devon, a foster home can provide the stability and support needed to secure a better future. The Fostering service is currently recruiting new foster carers across Devon to care for 0 – 18 year olds.

During Foster Care Fortnight ( 1th-14th June ), run by leading charity The Fostering Network, the Council is specifically looking for Remand Carers and DYPAS Carers (for 16 and 17 years olds who need to develop independent living skills)*

Cabinet Member for Children, Schools and Skills, Councillor James McInnes said; “Every year many foster carers leave the service due to retirement or to pursue other avenues of work and so there is a constant need to recruit new foster carers. Together with a rise in the number of children coming into care, this means we are calling on the people of Devon to come forward and see if they can foster.

“There are many myths about who can become a foster carer, but what really matters is a that someone has the commitment, skills and ability to look after children separated from their own families, and to offer them a stable and secure caring home.”

Gayle and Neil from Honiton have been fostering for around two and a half years, Gayle says: “It all started when I met a lady in the park who always seemed to have different children with her, when I asked her if they were her grandchildren, she told me they were her foster children. I wasn’t sure what fostering was to be honest but the more I thought about it, the more I thought I’d like to do it. I’ve always enjoyed being a mum and looking after children but it wasn’t until my youngest was 16 that I decided now was the time. It’s really the best thing I’ve ever done, we tend to take just one at a time so we can really concentrate on giving them the best possible care. I go on lots of courses which help me be the best foster parent I can be and I hope we make a difference to these children’s lives.”

Jackie Sanders, director of The Fostering Network, said: “As each year passes, we see more and more children coming into care. We need people who can open their heart, and their homes, to vulnerable children and young people who need support in reaching their full potential.

“A good foster carer will believe in the ambition of the children in their care in the same way they’d believe in the ambition of their own family members. A childhood is too short to waste, and foster carers can help those who haven’t had the best start begin to enjoy their life and grow into the adults that they want to be.”

To find out more about fostering in Devon, call 0345 155 1077 or foster@devon.gov.uk or visit www.fosteringindevon.org.uk