Fostering in Devon
Across Devon, many children are unable to remain with their birth families for a range of reasons. These can include difficulties within the home, such as illness or family breakdown. Unfortunately, the main reason for children coming into care are instances of neglect. TACT is looking for dedicated and compassionate foster carers in Devon who can provide the stability, care, and nurturing environment these young people need.
If you have a spare room, a kind and patient approach, and a genuine desire to offer a safe and supportive home, you could make a meaningful, life-changing difference as part of our Fostering Devon team.
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Can I foster in Devon?
You don’t need any previous experience to become a foster carer in Devon. To begin your application, you’ll simply need to meet the following basic criteria:
- Be 21 or older (there is no upper age limit).
- Have at least one spare bedroom.
- Be a full-time UK resident or have indefinite leave to remain.
Fostering also calls for time, flexibility, and a genuine commitment to the role. Good written and spoken English is essential, as you’ll work closely with a range of professionals. You’ll also be responsible for maintaining clear, accurate records to monitor and support the progress and wellbeing of the children and young people in your care.
Full Training
You don’t need any previous experience or formal qualifications to become a foster carer.
We offer comprehensive training to ensure you feel confident, informed, and ready to welcome a child into your home. Our approach combines online learning with in-person sessions, giving you flexible, practical support from the outset.
As part of the assessment process, you’ll take part in an introductory course called Skills to Foster. This short online programme provides a clear overview of fostering, with opportunities to ask questions and explore what the role involves.
Once approved as a foster carer with TACT, you’ll have access to a wide range of ongoing training to help you continue developing your skills and strengthen the support you provide to children and young people in Devon.
We also provide specialist training to equip you with the knowledge and confidence to care for children with additional or more complex needs.
24/7 Support
At TACT, we recognise how vital reliable, round-the-clock support is for foster carers. That’s why any surplus income is reinvested into enhancing our services, ensuring you can access advice and guidance whenever you need it.
As a TACT foster carer, you’ll be supported by a dedicated Supervising Social Worker. With a carefully managed caseload, they’re able to offer tailored guidance and consistent support, helping you create a meaningful and lasting impact in the lives of children and young people.
This is what we provide:
- Full 24/7 support. Your Supervising Social Worker will be your main point of contact, and our out-of-hours service is always available to provide advice and support whenever you need it.
- Foster carer portal. A straightforward, user-friendly online platform giving you access to essential information, training, resources, and practical guidance to support you throughout your fostering journey.
- Education service. A dedicated specialist team committed to helping the children in your care reach their full potential through personalised educational support and guidance.
- Health service. A service focused on the mental health and wellbeing of the young people in your care.
- Support groups. Local groups across Devon and nearby areas offer opportunities to connect with other foster carers, share experiences, and build a strong support network.
- Therapeutic support groups. Monthly sessions created to support carers looking after children who have experienced complex trauma and/or attachment challenges.
- Support for young people. Our Children’s Wellbeing Practitioners organise activities, events, and resources designed to enhance the lives and experiences of the children in your care.
- Supporting your own children. We recognise the important role your own children play in fostering. Our Children Who Foster events provide them with the opportunity to meet peers in similar situations and share their experiences.
- Peer support. Whenever possible, experienced TACT foster carers provide practical guidance, reassurance, and peer-to-peer support to those starting their fostering journey.
Our Therapeutic Support Groups
Caring for children who have experienced complex trauma or attachment difficulties requires specialised knowledge and ongoing professional support.
Early experiences of trauma can lead children to view the world as unsafe and relationships as unpredictable, which can impact how they connect with others and sometimes result in behaviours that escalate quickly.
Our monthly Therapeutic Support Groups give foster carers a safe, non-judgemental space to reflect on their experiences alongside a supportive peer network. These sessions allow carers to explore behaviours and key topics, develop practical strategies, celebrate successes, and strengthen shared skills. Engaging in trauma-informed discussions about both challenges and aspirations helps build resilience and deepens understanding of the emotional needs of the children in your care.
Pay & Allowances
Foster carers are dedicated, skilled professionals, and our fees and allowances reflect the important difference they make in children’s lives.
In partnership with Devon County Council, we receive funding to support children and young people in the local community. This allows us to provide high-quality services and offer comprehensive support to our foster carers.
The fostering allowance you receive will vary depending on factors such as the type of care you provide, the number and ages of the children in your care, and the complexity of their individual needs.
There are also payments for children’s birthdays, holidays and religious festivals. We also pay long service awards and a Refer a Friend fee (if you recommend someone who then goes on to be an approved foster carer with us).
Below, you can find examples of the weekly Fostering Devon payments you could receive when a young person is placed in your care:
Meet The Area Manager
“TACT’s values strongly align with my own – and as a charity, I appreciate that every penny is reinvested into supporting the children and young people we care for. I’m passionate about improving outcomes for children and have particular interests in contextual safeguarding and positive leadership.”
Sara Gullick – TACT Area Manager South West
Sara joined TACT in 2026, having previously worked across local authorities and other independent fostering agencies as a social worker and senior manager. Sara has also fostered herself, which has provided her with first hand experience of providing care for children and young people.
Rated ‘GOOD’ By Ofsted
Following an inspection in April 2025, Ofsted have announced that TACT South West has been rated ‘GOOD’ for its work with foster carers and looked after children.
“Foster carers support children to participate in social, leisure, and faith-based activities, in line with their wishes. In addition, children have enjoyed attending activities and events facilitated by the agency, including a residential music camp and an awards ceremony that celebrated their achievements. These activities help children to build positive memories.” – Ofsted, 2025
What Our Foster Carers Say
“TACT is amazing; even if your own social worker is unavailable, there are people waiting in the wings to help. Our advice to people who are considering becoming foster carers is stop waiting and go for it! It’s easy to keep putting it off – just take that first step and see where it leads you!
Sarah & Pete – TACT Foster Carers since 2022
Fostering Information Events
- March 30, 2026
- East Midlands, London, North West, Scotland, South West, Virtual, Wales, West Midlands, Yorkshire & North East,
- Time: 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Virtual Information Event – 30th March
Our virtual information event on 30th March is the perfect opportunity to learn more from the comfort of your own home.
- April 16, 2026
- East Midlands, London, North West, Scotland, South West, Virtual, Wales, West Midlands, Yorkshire & North East,
- Time: 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Virtual Information Event – 16th April
Our virtual information event on 16th April is the perfect opportunity to learn more from the comfort of your own home.
- April 21, 2026
- South West
- Time: 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Bristol Information Event – 21st April
Live in Bristol? Come along to our fostering information event at Easton Community Centre on Tues 21st April to learn more about becoming a foster carer.
Start Your Fostering Journey
