National Adoption Week takes place from 19-26 October 2026 and Torbay Council is appealing for people to come forward who could provide much needed safe loving homes for our cared for children here in Torbay, whether this is through adoption or fostering.

In Torbay, adoption is managed via Adopt South West who provide a wide range of information and support for anything thinking of adopting, and adoptive parents. The year 2026 is particularly significant as it marks the centenary of the landmark Adoption of Children Act 1926, which established the first legal framework for transferring parental rights and responsibilities in England and Wales.

Councillor Nick Bye, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services at Torbay Council, said: “National Adoption Week gives us the opportunity to talk about the importance of both adoption and fostering as ways to provide the security, permanency and the love of a new family when it is not possible for a child to be raised by their birth parents or within the birth family. It also gives us the chance to talk about the support that is available to those who choose to adopt or foster.

“Anyone in Torbay who is able to provide a safe and loving home for one of our care experienced children and young people can contact Adopt South West if they are thinking about adoption, or our own Torbay Council Fostering team if you are thinking of becoming a Foster Carer.”

When you adopt you legally acquire full parental responsibility for the child, just like any other parent. It’s a lifelong commitment which means sticking with it through the difficult times, as well as the good.

Adopt South West, which works with councils across the region, aims to find safe, secure, permanent homes for children who are unable to live with their birth families.

The support Adopt South West offer includes:

• advice, support and signposting to appropriate services 
• assessments of need 
• direct work 
• groups 
• workshops 
• activities and events 
• annual conference 
• monthly newsletter 

More information about adoption

If you live in Torbay and are thinking of adopting or want to find out more, contact Adopt South West on 0345 155 1076 or visit the Adopt South West website.

Foster with Torbay

Another way to support Torbay’s cared for children is by becoming a Foster Carer. This is managed in house by Torbay Council, and there are a range of ways you can do this.

We always need all types of Foster Carers but at the moment we particularly need short breaks and respite fostering to provide emergency and short term support, and we also need more Foster Carers for our teenagers.

Our dedicated Fostering team provide extensive support and training to both those working towards becoming Foster Carers and our existing carers. If you Foster with Torbay you will get access to:  

• Extensive support and training 
• a dedicated social worker 
• Mentoring from an experienced Foster Carer 
• out of hours support phone line 
• access to a support network including local Foster Carers Forum 
• events for you and your family throughout the year from a summer barbecue to Christmas party and the Train of Lights. 

More information about fostering

If you are thinking of becoming a Foster Carer and want to find out more call 01803 207845, email fostering@torbay.gov.uk or visit our Fostering webpages. You can also search #FosterWithTorbay on our Torbay Council social media channels (Facebook, NextDoor, LinkedIn and Instagram).