Islanders step up in response to local fostering "crisis"

Tuesday 04 June 2024

Eight new foster families have been formed following a Government push to increase the number of local carers.

This puts the island's foster care service in a "stronger position than a year ago", the Government said.

Annette Hope, Fostering and Adoption Head of Service, explained that Jersey has faced a shortage of foster carers since the pandemic – but the service is now recovering.

She said: "It is an exciting time for Jersey's Fostering & Adoption Services and the service has thrived with a renewed focus on foster carer recruitment.

"We have experienced many service improvements, changes to our workstreams for improved delivery and a refreshed marketing and recruitment approach.

"Jersey has experienced the same crisis and shortage of foster carers since the pandemic as fostering services in England.

"It is wonderful to see this is recovering with an excellent, responsive team of professionals driving this forward in reduced timescales."

Pictured: A call was made last year to encourage islanders to care for teenagers. 

The Government said that three more foster families are due soon, with 13 ongoing enquiries from two recent campaigns aimed at raising awareness about fostering.

The 'Making Time for Teens' campaign, launched in August last year, encouraged more people to consider fostering teenagers and resulted in six enquiries – with two applicants waiting to take part in Skills to Foster training that includes first aid, child protection, and record keeping.

Foster Care Fortnight, an annual awareness-raising campaign in May, led to seven new enquiries.

Ms Hope added: "It is a great time to join the Jersey Fostering Service and we would encourage anyone considering taking that step to get in touch with us urgently, so we can skilfully navigate you through the process.

"It could be life-changing for you and our children need you."

GET INVOLVED...