DEVON County Council's fostering service is asking local residents to make a connection to fostering as part of Foster Care Fortnight 2015, to raise awareness of the need for more foster carers.

With around 650 children currently in the care of the local authority, the council is asking people if they believe they have the skills to make a positive change to the lives of children and young people, then consider becoming a foster carer.

This year's foster care fortnight, with a theme of 'make a connection', asks people to talk about what fostering means to them, their family, and their friends.

It also aims to bust myths about fostering and focusing on the skills and experience needed to become a foster carer and to provide a loving home for vulnerable children.

For the vast majority of children in Devon, a foster home can provide the stability and support needed to secure a better future.

During Foster Care Fortnight (June 1 to 14 ), run by leading charity The Fostering Network, the council is specifically looking for carers for children whose parents are on remand and Devon Young People's Accommodatioon Service carers (for 16 and 17 years olds who need to develop independent living skills).

Cabinet member for children, schools and skills, Cllr James McInnes, said: 'Every year many foster carers leave the service due to retirement or to pursue other avenues of work and so there is a constant need for new foster carers.

'Together with a rise in the number of children coming into care, this means we are calling on the people of Devon to come forward and see if they can foster.

'There are many myths about who can become a foster carer, but what really matters is a that someone has the commitment, skills and ability to look after children separated from their own families, and to offer them a stable and secure caring home.'

Jackie Sanders, director of The Fostering Network, said: 'As each year passes, we see more and more children coming into care. We need people who can open their hearts, and their homes, to vulnerable children and young people who need support in reaching their full potential.

'A good foster carer will believe in the ambition of the children in their care in the same way they'd believe in the ambition of their own family members.

'A childhood is too short to waste, and foster carers can help those who haven't had the best start begin to enjoy their life and grow into the adults that they want to be.'

To find out more about fostering in Devon, email [email protected]">[email protected] or visit the website at http://www.fosteringindevon.org.uk">www.fosteringindevon.org.uk