Fostering First, a new organisation responsible for the provision of foster care across the Island, is hosting a number of events to encourage more people to become foster carers. Fostering First was created earlier this year following the signing of a new contract between the Department of Social Care and The Children’s Centre. Three drop-in sessions will be held in Douglas and Ramsey over the next few weeks for would-be foster carers to learn more about the service. Dates and locations of the session are as follows: •November 4 - The Children’s Centre, Woodbourne Road, Douglas - 2pm to 6pm. •November 9 - Ramsey Town Hall, Parliament Square, Ramsey - 2pm to 7.30pm. •November 11 - Pulrose Church Hall, Pulrose Road, Douglas - 2pm to 6pm. Fostering First staff will be promoting the drop-in sessions by handing out literature in Strand Street, Douglas, on October 30 from 1pm to 4pm and in Ramsey on November 6 from 1pm to 4pm. Fiona Lassen, Head of Fostering Services at Fostering First, said the drop-in sessions would be an ideal way for anyone interested in training to be a foster carer to talk to staff and ask any questions they may have. Fiona said: “Right now, there are children in the Isle of Man who need the support of foster carers to help bring some stability into their lives. We are urging anyone who has an interest in becoming a carer to come along to the drop-in sessions. We can explain the different types of foster care we provide and give information on other issues such as training, support and eligibility requirements. Foster carers can make a real difference to a child’s development and our staff can explain to would be carers how they can help vulnerable children within our community.” There are several types of fostering. Short term fostering - which may be for a few weeks to several months; emergency fostering - for when a child comes into care suddenly; long term fostering - for when a child is unable to return home, and respite care which means providing regular care for children for short periods of time as a support to their family or other foster carers. Foster carers can come from a wide range of backgrounds and age groups. They must be over 21 but there is no upper age limit. Carers can be married, divorced or single, or co-habiting. It does not matter whether they have there own children or not, or whether or not they own their own home. Those who are approved as foster carers will receive training to develop knowledge and skills to help them care for children. Fostering First will provide ongoing training packages and financial remuneration to cover the expenses of caring for a child. A Fostering Link Worker will also visit at regular intervals to support carers in their fostering role. For more information about Fostering First go to www.thechildrenscentre.org.im/fosteringfirst, email fosteringfirst@thechildrenscentre.org.im or call 631947. Inquiries about becoming a foster carer can also be made by visiting Fostering First’s offices at 14B Village Walk, Onchan. - ENDS -