ANYONE interested in becoming a foster carer in the Isle of Man is invited to attend a drop-in session to find out more.

The sessions, which take place this month, have been organised by Fostering First – the organisation responsible for foster care across the Island.

The first session will take place today from 2pm until 7pm at Southlands on Church Road in Port St Mary. Staff will be on hand to answer questions and give advice on becoming a foster carer.

There are 46 approved foster caring families in the Isle of Man, who are currently ensuring 52 children are benefiting from a more stable and nurturing life. This figure includes 13 children under the age of five and 22 teenagers.

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."

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.

Two other drop-in sessions will be held in Peel and Douglas this month. On Thursday, May 12, staff will be at the Phillip Christian Centre on Derby Road in Peel from 2pm to 7pm. There will also be a drop-in session at The Children's Centre on Woodbourne Road in Douglas on Tuesday, May 17, from 2pm to 7pm.

For more information e-mail fosteringfirst@thechildrenscentre.org.im or telephone 01624 631947. Inquiries about becoming a foster carer can also be made by visiting Fostering First's offices at 17 Village Walk, Onchan.

Check back to www.isleofman.com soon for an exclusive interview with two foster carers in the Isle of Man.