Anyone interested in becoming a foster carer is invited to attend drop-in sessions during May. Fostering First, which is the organisation responsible for foster care across the Island, is hosting the sessions and staff will be on hand to answer questions and give advice on the challenges and rewards which becoming a foster carer can offer. The first of three sessions is on May 10 at Southlands, Church Road, Port St Mary, from 2pm to 7pm. The other sessions are at Philip Christian Centre, Derby Road, Peel, on May 12 from 2pm to 7pm and at The Children’s Centre, Woodbourne Road, Douglas, on May 17 from 2pm to 7pm. At present there are 52 children (which includes 13 children under-5 years old and 22 teenagers) on the Island who are benefiting from a more stable and nurturing home life thanks to foster carers. 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. There are 46 approved foster caring families, but there is a need to find more - especially those who can provide long-term foster care. Fiona Lassen, Head of Fostering Services at Fostering First, said: “We are holding drop-in sessions in three locations around the Island and it will be a chance for anyone interested in fostering to find out more. Placing children in a family environment with foster carers can make a huge difference to their development. At present we have a particular need to recruit more long-term 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 their 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. Carers will receive regular supervision and support from Fostering First. FOSTERING FIRST Fostering First was created last year following the signing of a new contract between the Department of Social Care and The Children’s Centre. 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 17 Village Walk, Onchan.