Devon County Council Proposes Enhanced Support Package for Foster Carers Amid Shortage

Devon County Council is set to vote on a new support package for foster carers to address the shortage of families, proposing council tax relief, increased allowances, and new funding for essential equipment and support services. Current proposals include payments based on weeks of care, increases to fostering allowances to meet or exceed national minimum recommendations, and budgets aimed at providing equipment and additional support such as peer mentoring and wellbeing groups. The council currently cares for 848 children with only 208 fostering families, highlighting an urgent need for more carers. Foster carers emphasize their commitment to children as part of their families, with financial support seen as important but not the primary motivator. Meanwhile, other initiatives include the opening of Wessex House in Newbury by the charity Bridge For Young People, which provides housing and support to youths transitioning out of foster care, reflecting broader efforts to support foster youth beyond placement. Additionally, workshops like the one in Zagreb for fostering unaccompanied children show international attention to supporting vulnerable young people through foster care.