A FOSTER carer from Zeal Monachorum was among a group of carers celebrated for their exceptional service to Fostering Devon.
Norman Bullen from Zeal Monachorum was celebrated for having being a carer for the last 20 years at the annual Carer Celebration Awards at County Hall in Exeter. Mr Bullen was one of over 60 carers receiving a certificate of appreciation.
Cllr James McInnes, cabinet member for Children, Schools and Skills, and the county's member for Hatherleigh and Chagford, thanked the carers on behalf of the county council and the young people for their dedication to fostering.
Robina Khan, senior manager of Adoption, Fostering and Permanence, echoed this and went on to explain that the focus for the immediate future is to ensure placement stability and positive educational outcomes for children and young people in Devon.
Fostering Devon is currently recruiting more specialist family care workers for children and teenagers with challenging needs.
The scheme has been running for 14 years in Devon and it provides care for young people between the ages of eight and 15 whose needs can not be met by traditional fostering.
Such young people require specific care programmes for their educational and psychological require-ments.
It specialises in helping children find a safe haven, a supportive family, and a place in society.
Family care workers help young people develop life skills as well as stabilise any behavioural difficulties.
Carers do need to provide round-the-clock care, which means at least one carer needs to be at home full-time.
This allows a relationship to develop and reduces the likelihood of more serious behavioural difficulties or the placement breaking down.
The scheme was improved last year to include additional support, professional development and enhanced payments for family care workers in Devon.
Anyone who is optimistic, energetic, a good listener and loves the pace of a hectic and full life could be just the person Fostering Devon is looking for to join their team of exceptional local carers.
New carers will receive exceptional support and training, generous rates of pay and an incredible sense of satisfaction.
If you think you have the skills and compassion needed, or would like to find out more, call 0345 155 1077 for an informal, in-confidence chat.
Alternatively download the fostering information booklet from http://www.fosteringindevon.org.uk">www.fosteringindevon.org.uk