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Adopt or foster a child

Adoption

Devon is always looking for people who can adopt children waiting for a permanent home and a forever family.

Your ability to care is what matters most. Adopting a child can be hard work and very challenging, it is a lifelong commitment and your new child will become part of your forever family. You will need an open mind and plenty of patience. It’s a big decision for any family to take, but the rewards are immeasurable for everyone.

What are you waiting for? Get in touch to find out more, come to an event and help transform children’s lives.

Find out more: http://www.adoptsouthwest.org.uk

https://youtu.be/HGXLFHZsnZE

Fostering

Do you have the dedication to make vulnerable young lives better, and a spare room? Have you considered a career as a foster carer?

More foster carers across Devon for 0–18 year-olds are needed, especially if  you have the knowledge and skills to provide for teenagers and young people with complex and challenging needs. Read about life as a Devon foster carer.

All foster carers receive exceptional support and training as well as competitive rates of pay. Fostering is a big commitment for any household to make, but the rewards are definitely worth it. If you think you have the skills and compassion needed, please get in touch for an informal, in confidence chat.

Find out more: https://www.fosteringindevon.org.uk

 

Alternatives to adoption and fostering include:

Special Guardians

Special Guardianship is an alternative to long-term foster placements or adoption for those children who, for whatever, reason cannot live with their birth parents.

Special Guardianship allows children to remain within the family unit or another significant person. It allows children to have a sense of normality. A parent may allow a child to live with a family member /friend under Special Guardianship for a number of reasons. For example:

  • if the parent has not bonded with the child.
  • if the parent is in poor health.

Find out more: https://www.devonadoption.org.uk/home/special-guardianship/

Private fostering

If a child is living with a person who is not related for more than 28 days this is called private fostering. More information can be found on Devon County Council’s website under private fostering.

Find out more: https://www.devon.gov.uk/educationandfamilies/adoption-and-fostering/private-fostering