Torbay is celebrating Children of Foster Carers Week 2025 (13 – 19 October) – could your family foster?

Children of Foster Carers Week is The Fostering Network’s annual campaign to celebrate the vital contribution the children of foster carers make to foster care. Each October, fostering services across the UK recognise and reward the children of foster carers for the important role they play in their home, making children in care feel happier, welcome, safer and more loved.

John Jones, who is Managing Director at Dartmouth Steam Railway, has shared his experience of growing up with parents who foster, and Nancy Meehan, Director of Children’s Services for Torbay, has written out to all local children in foster families to thank them for everything they do.

John and his team have supported our Fostering and Children's Services as one of our official Corporate Partners for Fostering. Every year Dartmouth Steam Railway provides a free ticket for its Train of Lights for all Foster Carers, children, special guardians, families with children who are disabled, and care experienced young people - with more than 750 people attending in 2024.

The annual Train of Lights in November is one of a number of activities our Fostering service facilitate for Fostering families in the Bay, along with an annual Christmas party, summer barbecue, regular Foster Carer Forums and more, as well as working with other local organisations such as Torquay United to provide free tickets to Fostering families.

Watch a video of John talking about his experiences on our YouTube channel 

In Nancy’s letter she says: “Being part of a fostering household takes kindness, patience, and a big heart. Whether you’ve welcomed other children into your home, shared your toys, helped someone feel safe, or simply been a friend—you’ve made a big difference. And I want you to know how proud we are of you.

“Thank you for being you. You are an important part of our community, and we’re so lucky to have you.”

Councillor Nick Bye, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services for Torbay Council, said: “We are delighted to be able to celebrate Children of Foster Carers Week and to shine a light on the essential role these children play in making foster children a part of the family. I would also like to say a big thank you to all these children, and of course our fantastic Foster Carers who are so vital to our children in care – but we always need more so please get in touch if you are interested.”

If you are interested in becoming a Foster Carer please call 01803 207845, email fostering@torbay.gov.uk  or visit our fostering webpages.