THERE has been a good response to a campaign designed to recruit new foster carers in the Isle of Man.

Fostering First, the agency that is responsible for the provision of foster care in the Island, held drop in sessions across the Island earlier this month.

23 people attended the sessions which were held in Port St Mary, Peel and Douglas.

At each of the venues Fostering First staff were on hand to answer questions and to explain the fostering process in more depth.

Fiona Lassen, the head of fostering services, said: "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, e-mail and from people visiting our office at 17 Village Walk, Onchan."

There are several types of fostering including short term – which may be for a few weeks to several months, emergency fostering – when a child comes into care suddenly, and long term – when a child is unable to return home.

There is also respite care - regular care for children for short periods of time as a support to their family or other foster carers.

Foster carers must be over 21 but there is no upper age limit. Carers can be married, divorced, single or co-habiting. It does not matter if a foster carer has their own children or whether they own their own home.

The organisation will provide on-going training packages and financial remuneration to cover the expenses of caring for a child. Carers will also receive regular supervision and support from Fostering First.

Anyone who would like more information on fostering can e-mail fosteringfirst@thechildrenscentre.org.im or telephone 01624 631947.

Read an exclusive interview with two foster carers in the Isle of Man by clicking here.