Fostering First hosted a series of drop-in sessions across the Island as part of its ongoing campaign to recruit new foster carers. In total 23 people attended three sessions which were held in Port St Mary, Peel and Douglas. At each of the venues Fostering First staff were on hand to answer queries and to explain the training and support provided to anyone who decides to become a carer. Details were also given about the eligibility criteria for foster carers. Fiona Lassen, Head of Fostering Services at Fostering First, thanked everyone who attended the sessions and added: “We were pleased with the response to the drop-in sessions and across all three events received a total of 12 completed inquiry forms from individuals and couples who are interested in becoming carers. We are now in the process of following up these inquiries and are also responding to a further 17 inquires via telephone, email and from people visiting our office at 17 Village Walk, Onchan.” At present there are 55 children 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 41 approved foster caring families, but there is a need to find more - especially those who can provide long-term foster care. 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 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. - ENDS -