Fostering Fortnight begins

Islanders who want to find out more about becoming a foster carer in Jersey and help change a child’s life are being invited to come to informal events being run by the Fostering and Adoption Team next week to find out more about fostering as Fostering Fortnight begins.

There are currently 43 approved foster carers in Jersey and more are needed to ensure that local children always have a safe and comfortable home when they need it. There are many different types of fostering for people who are potentially interested to consider.

The Fostering and Adoption Team will be at each of the Waitrose stores in Jersey over the course of the week of 15th May, to mark Fostering Fortnight, which is an annual event to raise the profile of fostering a child. They will be on-hand to talk to shoppers and answer questions they might have.

The sessions in the Waitrose stores are as follows:

• Monday 15 May, Waitrose in St Saviour, from 10 am to 3 pm
• Wednesday 17 May, Waitrose at Red Houses, from 10am to 3 pm
• Friday 19 May, Waitrose St. Helier, Trinity Hill, from 10am to 3 pm

On Saturday 20 May, a 5K Foster Walk along the waterfront will take place and there will be an information table at La Fregate, from 10 am to 2 pm.

Islanders aged 21 and over can apply to be a foster carer. There is no upper age limit. Types of foster care services, all of which receive financial and emotional support include:

• Emergency care - when children need to be fostered in an emergency, for up to two weeks
• Respite care – for specific periods such as weekends or to offer foster carers a rest
• Specialist short break - supporting children and families with complex needs, usually for 3 hours in the community, or overnight in their own homes
• Short-term foster care - providing care for several weeks up to two year
• Long-term foster care – providing a permanent home for a child
• Intensive foster care – providing full-time care for a child with high-level needs, with a specialist fee

Assistant Minister for Children and Education, Connétable Richard Vibert, said: “As a department, we recognise the fantastic work our current foster carers undertake, and we know we need more of them.

“The drop-in events on at the Waitrose stores next week are a fantastic opportunity to ask questions if you want to know more about becoming a foster carer. There is no obligation; just come and find out more.

“We continue to need different types of foster carers for different children’s needs- whether that is just for weekend cover or to provide a child with a permanent home. So, if anyone is considering becoming a foster carer, I strongly encourage you to get in touch with the wonderful team at Fostering and Adoption, or find out more information online.”

Anyone who is considering becoming a foster carer can get in touch with the team by emailingfosteringandadoption@health.gov.je or calling 01534 443970.

For more information visit: gov.je/fosteringandadoption