FOSTER carers from across Devon were celebrated for their exceptional service to Fostering Devon.

The annual Carer Celebration Awards took place at County Hall in Exeter where over 60 carers received a certificate of appreciation.

Around 120 people (including many foster children) gathered to recognise the achievements of carers who have given between 5 and 30+ years of their lives to fostering.

The longest-serving carers were Jenny and Charles Thorpe from Teignmouth, Linda and Graham Denning and Sandra and Robin Cooke, all dedicating more than 30 years to fostering.

These couples received a bouquet of flowers and a certificate of achievement.

Sandra and Robin from Exeter always wanted a busy home, full of life and children, to date they have fostered over 130 children and don’t plan to stop anytime soon.

Councillor James McInnes, Cabinet Member for Children, Schools and Skills, thanked the carers on behalf of the County Council and the young people for their dedication to fostering. Robina Khan, Senior Manager - Adoption, Fostering & Permanence echoed this and went on to explain that the focus for the immediate future is to ensure placement stability and positive educational outcomes for children and young people in Devon.

The keynote address was given by John Peart from Devon County Council’s Education and Learning team about the Virtual School which supports children in care, helping them achieve the best outcome through education.

The Virtual School tracks achievements, ensures children are appropriately placed and getting the right support for their individual needs.

The highlight of the event was the presentation of certificates with group presentation for 5 and 10 years of service, and individual presentations with flowers for 15, 20, 25 and 30 years of service to fostering.

Rosemary Miles from Silverton has been fostering children for 21 years, she is still in touch with many of the children who are now adults with children of their own, she explained that she has even gained some grandchildren along the way. Despite a rather busy life she has no plans to stop fostering children.

Cath and Steve Hooper from Chudleigh Knighton were commended for 25 years of service, and explained that it was always something they wanted to do.

They had even introduced the idea to their friends Julia and Martin Wonnacott who themselves were recognised for 20 years of service at the event.

Fostering Devon is currently recruiting more specialist Family Care Workers for children and teenagers with challenging needs.

The scheme has been running for 14 years in Devon and it provides care for young people between the ages of eight and fifteen whose needs cannot be met by traditional fostering.

Such young people require specific care programmes for their educational and psychological requirements.

It specialises in helping children find a safe haven, a supportive family, and a place in society. Family care workers help young people develop life skills as well as stabilise any behavioural difficulties.

Carers do need to provide round-the-clock care, which means at least one carer needs to be at home full-time.

This allows a relationship to develop and reduces the likelihood of more serious behavioural difficulties or the placement breaking down.

The scheme was improved last year to include additional support, professional development and enhanced payments for Family Care Workers in Devon.

If you are optimistic, energetic, a good listener and love the pace of a hectic and full life, then you could be just the person Fostering Devon is looking for to join their team of exceptional local carers.

You will receive exceptional support and training, generous rates of pay and an incredible sense of satisfaction.

If you think you have the skills and compassion needed, or would like to find out more, please do get in touch for an informal, in confidence chat – 0345 155 1077.

Alternatively download our fostering information booklet from www.fosteringindevon.org.uk, and follow us on Facebook.