Dispelling some common myths about foster care will be the main focus of a monthly drop-in session organised by Fostering First this week. The session is on Wednesday March 30 from noon to 2pm at Bourne House, 97 Woodbourne Road, Douglas, and anyone interested in fostering is welcome to attend without an appointment.
Anita Traynor, Fostering Lead at Fostering First, says that many individuals or couples who could make great foster carers are sometimes deterred by myths about eligibility. She said: “It’s quite common to hear people say they are too old or too young to be a foster carer, or that they can’t foster because they don’t own their own home, or because of a host of other reasons. The fact is that fostering is open to people from a wide variety of backgrounds. For example, carers must be over 21 but there is no upper age limit – and it doesn’t matter to us whether a carer owns their own home or is a tenant in rented accommodation. What we do need to know is that they can provide a safe and stable environment for a child. While financial reward is not the primary consideration for anyone who has the right motivation to become a foster carer – we appreciate that financial matters can also be a real concern for some potential foster carers who think that they simply can’t afford the extra expense of caring for a child or children. So it’s important to note that Fostering First can provide financial help to make sure that carers can cover any additional costs.”
Fostering First will have a ‘Mythbusters’ leaflet available at the drop-in session which answers questions potential carers may have on the subject of marital status, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious beliefs and disability and many other issues. Leaflets are also available about the comprehensive range of support which Fostering First provides for carers during their training and throughout their careers as foster carers.
To find out more about fostering just attend the drop-in session, phone 631947, or email fosteringfirst@thechildrenscentre.org.im
You can also find more information at http://www.thechildrenscentre.org.im/
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