A new approach to foster carer recruitment is proving to show a positive impact in Devon following the Hearts & Homes: A Fostering Devon Recruitment Conference, an interactive community conference that brought together foster carers, care experienced young people, local businesses and professionals.
Held at the Future Skills Centre in Exeter, the event marked a shift away from traditional recruitment messaging, instead creating space for honest conversation, lived experience and shared responsibility for supporting children and young people who need foster homes in Devon.
We’re working hard to expand our network of supportive, skilled foster families who can offer loving homes to children and young people who cannot live with their birth families. This event is designed to encourage more people to consider opening their homes to children in need of safety, stability and care.
Designed by Fostering Devon and funded through a regional recruitment innovation grant with Fostering Southwest, The Hearts and Homes Conference trialled a model rooted in connection over conversion – prioritising trust, understanding and long term engagement rather than immediate sign‑ups.
As recently highlighted by Minister for Children and Families, Josh MacAlister. Recent government plans announced a major recruitment drive across the country, nationally there is a shortage of foster carers. With 810 children currently in care across Devon, the need for more foster carers locally has also never been more urgent.
We had the pleasure of welcoming 50 guests to the hearts and homes conference, those who are right at the start of their fostering journey as well as those that are still in the consideration phase, we also had the pleasure of being joined by community groups, elected members and local businesses who wanted to do more to support those considering fostering with Devon County Council
We had support from experienced foster carers like Mockingbird Home Hub Carer who is passionate about getting more people interested and learning about fostering. Ben worked with us on developing the event and focused on support those throughout the day who have been considering fostering.
Our Lead Member for Childrens Services, Councillor Richard Jefferies also joined the conference. Richard accompanied prospective foster carers not only to support our service, but to highlight the importance of keeping a child or young person within their local communities.
Alongside this, Fostering Devon highlighted how local organisations can become fostering‑friendly employers, making it easier for staff who foster to balance work and home responsibilities. The response from local businesses was positive, with the likes of NatWest Banking beginning the process of becoming a Fostering Friendly Employer, opening the door to future workplace based information sessions and wider cultural change around fostering support in employment settings across Devon.
Devon County council has since updated their Fostering Friendly Policy to support more council staff to become foster carers.
If you are a business in Devon wanting to support your employees to inspire a young persons future through fostering we would love to hear from you. Fill in this form to arrange a workshop with our incredible team.
The event featured interactive workshops, including information on:
- The Skills to Foster® – a training course produced by The Fostering Network, with an introduction to the core knowledge and practical skills new carers need.
- Therapeutic Parenting – exploring supportive, trauma-informed approaches to caring for children.
Attendees heard directly from experienced foster carers during an open Q&A session, where they will share honest insight into the rewards and challenges of fostering.
Could you open your home to a child in need?
Nationally, there is a shortage of foster carers, as recently highlighted by Minister for Children and Families, Josh MacAlister. Recent government plans announced a major recruitment drive across the country, and with 810 children currently in care across Devon, the need for more foster carers locally has also never been more urgent.
We’re working hard to expand our network of supportive, skilled foster families who can offer loving homes to children and young people who cannot live with their birth families. We are pleased that the Hearts and Homes Conference encouraged more people to consider opening their homes to children in need of safety, stability and care.
Thinking about becoming a foster carer?
If you are over 21, have a spare bedroom and want to make a difference to a child’s life, fostering could be for you. We offer excellent training and support to those wishing to open their homes to children in need across Devon. Did you know – foster carers receive financial support, as well as potential savings on Council Tax. Contact us to find out more, call 034 5155 1077