As many of us will understand, it is incredibly important to keep brothers and sisters together so that they can share experiences and support one another through challenging times.

It's well-known that children are much more likely to settle and begin progressing well in a new foster home if they are kept with their siblings, especially if they have a close emotional bond.

It can be heartbreaking when siblings are separated, so Fostering Devon tries as hard as it can to keep them together in the same home, which is why the team is looking for more foster carers who would consider caring for more than one child.

For many, the past year has brought an opportunity for reflection and fresh starts, and it may be that the circumstances have caused a significant change in your career, or made you consider taking on a more caring role.

There's a national shortage of foster carers who can foster siblings due to reasons such as not having enough room in their home to accommodate two or more children. Caring for siblings can be extremely rewarding and life-changing so Fostering Devon is encouraging anyone who feels they have the qualities needed to provide a loving home, to reach out.

If you've got space in your home and heart to care for siblings, Fostering Devon would love to speak to you.

Support and training

Once you have been approved as a foster carer, you will be supported by your supervising social worker.

Fostering Devon will continue to help you deliver the highest standards of care by providing professional support and training. You will be expected to attend a minimum of six training events and six support group activities per year throughout your career.

The Children's Promoting Stability Team helps improve placement stability for children and young people with complex and challenging behaviours.

Will I be helped financially?

Often one of the main concerns people have when they consider fostering is how do foster carer fees compare to a salary, and whether they could realistically support their family while fostering.

That's why at Devon County Council a competitive financial allowance is provided of up to £489 per week, per child, to cover all expenses of caring for a child and the time you spend caring for them. Fostering Devon is always there for you, every step of the way.

Each child receives a birthday, holiday and festival allowance, again depending on their age. Fostering Devon also pays mileage for transporting a child to school, attending family contact meetings, training and support groups.

Are there different types of fostering?

As no two children are ever the same, there are many different types of foster care and some may suit your lifestyle better than others. Some children and young people may just need fostering for a few nights, while others need a more permanent family environment. You can also help new parents to form meaningful relationships with their children in the early stages of their lives.

The team of fostering experts will always work with you to help decide what type of fostering is going to suit you, your family and your lifestyle.

Mainstream fostering

This is the most common form of fostering and means giving a child or young person a safe place to stay, perhaps for a night or two whilst their family are helped to resolve their problems, through to a longer-term or even permanent arrangement.

Child and parent fostering

You would be a specialist and experienced carer that supports and assesses those with parenting difficulties. Carers work together with the birth parents and a team of staff in order to help to improve parenting skills.

Caring for teenagers

Fostering Devon has seen an increase in teenagers going into care in recent times which can have a detrimental effect on their young lives at a time when they are already experiencing a roller-coaster of emotions. These feelings can often be amplified by the lack of a nurturing home. Having a caring foster parent and a safe place to call home often allows the teenagers to flourish due to them feeling supported.

To find out more, download your free information booklet, visit the website, speak to the fostering enquiry team on 0345 155 1077 or email foster@devon.gov.uk.