A series of drop-in sessions are being held offering information to anyone interested in becoming a foster carer. The sessions are being run by Fostering First which is the organisation responsible for foster care across the Island and which is part of The Children’s Centre charity. Currently, there are 50 foster carers on the Island – but more are needed to provide long-term care, short-term support for children who eventually return home, and respite care for families that have children with specific needs. Fostering First’s campaign to recruit carers is being run in tandem with Foster Care Fortnight in the UK from May 13 to 26. The drop-in sessions are being held at Marown Church Hall on Tuesday May 14; The Children’s Centre, 96 Woodbourne Road, Douglas, on Thursday May 16; Port St Mary Town Hall on Tuesday May 21; and the Church on the Rock, Ramsey, on Thursday May 23. All the sessions run from 3pm to 7pm and Fostering First staff will be at all the venues to explain what fostering involves and answer questions.
Fiona Lassen, Head of Fostering Services at Fostering First, said:
“The drop-in sessions are very relaxed and informal and are the ideal opportunity for anyone who is thinking about becoming a foster carer to come along and have a chat. We would never pretend that becoming a foster carer is an easy decision to make, but it can also be incredibly rewarding for foster carers to see a child flourish in life because of the loving environment they have provided. We hope the drop-in sessions will encourage anyone who thinks they could become a foster carer to come and talk to us and raise any questions they have.”
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. It’s not essential for them to have parenting experience, but some experience and knowledge of children is beneficial. What they must be is caring and understanding and possess the ability and desire to help a child grow emotionally. 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 own their own home. All foster carers (especially those new to fostering) receive training, help, and support from Fostering First as well as financial remuneration to cover the expenses of caring for a child.
If you are interested in becoming a foster carer just go along to one of the drop-in sessions listed above, or 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 Bourne House, 97 Woodbourne Road, Douglas. More information can be found at http://www.thechildrenscentre.org.im/what-we-do/fostering-first/.
