Thinking about fostering? Want to find out more?
Fostering Devon is inviting residents to join its Hearts and Homes Conference on 20 March 2026.
With 810 children currently in care across Devon, the need for more foster carers has 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. This event is designed to encourage more people to consider opening their homes to children in need of safety, stability and care.
This conference has been made possible thanks to a grant from Fostering Southwest, which is enabling Fostering Devon to trial new and innovative approaches to recruitment.
The event will take place on Friday 20 March, at the Future Skills Centre in Exeter. There are two timeslots available, one at 10am and the other at 1pm.
Attendees will hear directly from experienced foster carers during an open Q&A session, where they will share honest insight into the rewards and challenges of fostering. The event will also feature 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.
Alongside this, Fostering Devon will highlight how local organisations can become fostering‑friendly employers, making it easier for staff who foster to balance work and home responsibilities. Businesses will also be encouraged to help promote fostering within their communities, strengthening local support networks.
The Hearts and Homes Conference is open to anyone interested in fostering—whether they’re gathering information for the first time or ready to start the journey.
Visit our events page to find out more and book your place: Events – Fostering Devon.
If you’re unable to make the event, but would like to know more about fostering in Devon, you can get in touch for a no-obligation call to learn more.