Barnstaple's Cedars Inn to host foster care event

Barnstaple's Cedars Inn will provide the backdrop for a special event tomorrow (Feb 7) aimed at those interested in fostering.

Hosted by Devon County Council, the event hopes to encourage more people to consider fostering.

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 they help their family to resolve their problems or giving them a permanent home until they reach independence.

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."

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.

The event is at The Cedars Inn, Bickington Road, Sticklepath, Barnstaple EX31 2HE on February 7. Informal sessions where interested people can talk to social workers and foster carers will take place between 7pm to 9pm.

For more information about the events, or to register an interest please email foster@devon.gov.uk or call 0845 155 1013.