Fostering couple have no plans to retire despite 55 years service

John and Mary Richardson from Exmouth, who received an MBE in the New Years Honours for services to children and families, have recommended fostering with Fostering Devon as an incredibly rewarding profession, and one that they don’t plan to retire from, despite almost 55 years of service!

Devon County Council, which provides the Fostering Devon service, recognised the remarkable couple’s dedication to fostering at a recent event to mark their long service achievement.

Since they started fostering in the 1950s, John and Mary estimate that they have looked after around 100 children, alongside bringing up five of their own.

Mary explains, “I love having young people and children around, and I’ve got so much more out of it over the years than I put in.

"There is the feeling of being there for children who really need you.

"We are delighted, but feel that there are many other excellent foster carers who deserve similar recognition for all their hard work and dedication. 

"If you enjoy working with young people and would like to be part of a brilliant team, I’d highly recommend thinking about becoming a carer with Fostering Devon.”

John and Mary provide one of around 300 caring homes for Fostering Devon, offering a safe and secure base for a growing number of vulnerable children across the county. 

“We have around 700 vulnerable children in our care needing safe and secure homes,” says Councillor Will Mumford, the Council’s Cabinet Member responsible for Fostering Devon.

“Our fostering service has developed considerably over the last year.  In addition to increasing our allowances for foster carers, we’ve also fast-tracked the recruitment process, making it much simpler and faster, and we’ve improved the level of professional training and support available too.

“Our aim is to recruit additional carers to enable the service to expand its level of support to children and young people.  We are currently actively seeking people who will view fostering as a professional career change.”

To find out more, or to talk to a member of the Fostering Devon team, call 0345 155 1077.  Or visit www.fosteringindevon.org.uk and hear what foster carers say themselves about fostering with Devon County Council.