This October, we are proud to once again be celebrating Children of Foster Carers Month, a time dedicated to recognising and honouring the incredible children who share their homes, parents, and hearts with foster children and young people.
What is Children of Foster Carers Month?
Previously known as ‘Sons and Daughters Month’, Children of Foster Carers Month is an annual campaign led by The Fostering Network, which celebrates the vital role that children of foster carers play in a fostering household and runs from Tuesday 1 to Thursday 31 October 2024.
Why is this month important?
Children of foster carers often navigate complex emotions and situations, showing remarkable adaptability and kindness that often goes unnoticed.
This month provides an opportunity to acknowledge their efforts, show appreciation, and celebrate their invaluable role in welcoming foster children into a home, and helping in what can be a complex transition for everyone involved.
Stuart Collins, Director of Children and Young People’s Futures at Devon County Council, says:
“This is such an important aspect of fostering. I want to say a massive thank you to all of the children of foster carers for their contribution when their own families’ welcome other children into their homes. We are immensely proud of our foster family children; particularly their resilience and kindness, and we encourage everyone to join us in raising awareness and providing support to those children who share their homes and families with children and young people when needed.
“It’s important that we show children of foster carers that we recognise and appreciate the impact they have on the fostering world. Children of foster carers are vital in introducing foster children into a new home, enabling them to feel safe, loved, and happy. It is not always an easy task to welcome someone new into your family, but these children and young people are vital to the work of our foster carers and the wider work that we do at Fostering Devon, and across the country.
“We are incredibly proud of all of our children and young people across Devon each and every day of the year.”
Devon County Council is committed to improving the lives of and improving the outcomes for all children and young people in Devon. If you’re a flexible, open and honest person who is looking to welcome a foster child into your home, you can find out more about becoming a foster carer for Fostering Devon on our website or contact the team on 0345 155 1077.
And if you’re a foster carer and would like to share your story of how your children have welcomed a foster child into the family, please email foster@devon.gov.uk.