A drop-in session is being held at Ramsey Town Hall, Parliament Square, Ramsey, on Tuesday November 9 will offer information about becoming a foster carer. Fostering First staff will be at the Centre from 2pm to 7.30pm to talk to anyone who has questions. Fostering First is a new organisation responsible for the provision of foster care across the Island. It was created earlier this year following the signing of a new contract between the Department of Social Care and The Children’s Centre. 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. 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 -