BREAKING NEWS: A new role has just been created in Devon to bolster support for children in care and foster carers. Devon County Council has appointed Councillor Robin Julian as the Fostering Member Champion, a crucial move to ensure the voices of vulnerable children and their caregivers are prioritized.
This voluntary position, announced during a meeting of the Children’s Scrutiny Committee in November 2025, aims to address the urgent need for foster carers within the county. The council currently has 251 registered fostering households but is facing challenges with many more carers leaving than joining.
Cllr Julian stated, “Foster carers give children the love and stability they deserve. My job is to make sure that their voices shape our decisions and that Devon continues to improve the support we offer.” His commitment highlights the council’s goal to promote fostering as a rewarding path, particularly for older children and sibling groups.
The creation of this role follows key recommendations from the committee’s Fostering Task Group, which reviewed the foster care landscape in March 2025. The committee’s resolution to form the role was confirmed in September, emphasizing a commitment to accountability and focused efforts in fostering services.
Cllr Frank Biederman, Chair of the Children’s Scrutiny Committee, expressed his support: “Having a dedicated Champion ensures that the needs of children in care remain at the forefront of our work. Robin’s commitment will help us strengthen scrutiny and drive positive change for families and carers across the county.”
This announcement comes alongside a significant £2 million investment in Devon’s fostering services, approved by the council cabinet earlier this month. Starting in April 2026, enhanced fees and allowances for foster carers will be implemented, including tiered payments based on children’s age and complexity of needs, aligning with the Department for Education’s National Minimum Allowance.
Additional support measures will also be introduced, including emergency rota services, short-break schemes for children with disabilities, and enhanced payments for those looking after children with higher needs. This funding follows a consultation with foster carers in July 2025 and is part of a broader initiative to improve conditions for foster families as the number of fostering households has seen a dramatic decline of up to a third since 2020.
As Devon County Council strives to strengthen its fostering services, the appointment of Cllr Julian and the accompanying financial boost reflect a proactive approach to address ongoing challenges and ensure every child in care receives the support they need.
Stay tuned for further updates as Devon works to enhance its fostering community and support systems.