{"id":69131,"date":"2026-03-17T11:06:53","date_gmt":"2026-03-17T11:06:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/news\/?p=69131"},"modified":"2026-03-17T11:09:12","modified_gmt":"2026-03-17T11:09:12","slug":"local-people-invited-explore-fostering-exeter-event","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/news\/local-people-invited-explore-fostering-exeter-event\/","title":{"rendered":"Local people invited to explore fostering at Exeter event"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

People across Devon are being invited to find out more about fostering at a special event in Exeter this week.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fostering Devon is hosting its Hearts and Homes Conference on Friday 20 March 2026 at the Future Skills Centre, Exeter. The event is open to anyone thinking about fostering, or wanting to learn more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is a national shortage of foster carers. In Devon, 810 children are currently in care, many of whom need safe, stable and loving homes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The conference will help people understand what fostering involves and how they could make a real difference to a child\u2019s life.<\/p>\n\n\n

\r\n\t
\r\n

Councillor Richard Jefferies, Cabinet Member for Children\u2019s Services, said:<\/p><\/div>\r\n \t\t

\u201cThe Government announced last month that it wants to recruit 10,000 more foster carers nationally, and that shows just how urgent this issue is.<\/p>\n

\u201cHere in Devon, we need more local people to step forward so children can grow up in safe, caring homes close to their communities.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis event is a great opportunity to find out what fostering is really like and what support is available.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\t<\/blockquote>\r\n

\r\n\t
\r\n\t\t\"Councillor\r\n
\r\n Councillor Richard Jefferies, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services – Social Services<\/a><\/figcaption>\r\n <\/figure>\r\n <\/div>\r\n \r\n <\/div>\n\n\n

The event is funded by Fostering Southwest and will run in two sessions, starting at 10am, and later at 1pm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Attendees will hear from experienced foster carers and take part in short workshops on Skills to Foster\u00ae and Therapeutic Parenting. The event will also feature information on how employers can support staff who foster.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To find out more and book a place, visit the Fostering Devon website. Events – Fostering Devon<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Anyone unable to attend can still arrange a friendly, no\u2011obligation call to learn more about fostering in Devon.<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":34,"featured_media":63092,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[7],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-69131","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-children-families-and-education"],"acf":[],"featured_image":{"ID":63092,"title":"","alt":"Foster mother and father with fostered 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