Three "firm" enquiries after push to solve fostering and adoption crisis

Friday 28 July 2023

A handful of islanders have taken their interest in intensive fostering to the next level after a fresh recruitment campaign was launched to tackle the carer "crisis" for vulnerable children.

A total of 23 islanders have attended in-person and online events where they can find out more about becoming an intensive foster carer, while three "firm" enquiries have come through to the Government's Fostering and Adoption team as of this week.

Four people attended an event at Communicare, while three people came to a session at the Government of Jersey Studio on the Parade, and six people came to one at St. Clement’s Parish Hall to meet the Fostering and Adoption team. A further 10 people met the team online via a webinar event.

"As a result, as of 25 July, three firm enquiries have come through to the Fostering and Adoption team, and following those enquiries being made, home visits have been scheduled," the government said in a statement. 

"Some people who attended the sessions have made enquiries with the team about other types of fostering, and most attendees took away enquiry forms to complete, or went away to have further discussions."

Pictured: Home visits have been arranged for the trio who have made formal applications to become intensive foster carers.

A similar appeal was made last year, when Children’s and Education Minister Inna Gardiner said Jersey had "not seen a crisis like this in fostering and adoption for 10 years".

It was also recently revealed that the lack of specialist care provision in Jersey had resulted in £3.5m being spent last year on sending 20 children to off-island facilities in 2022 alone.

With many care providers having put up their prices, this was a rise of around £1m on the year before, despite the number of children being sent away having barely changed. 

Dr Glyn Young, who has more than 20 years' experience as a foster carer alongside wife Jeanette, recently urged anyone thinking about becoming a foster carer to step forward.

Video: Glyn and Jeanette shared their experience of fostering back in 2018.

"It’s very rewarding if you can help someone and be able to see them achieve things and never give up on them – it’s not easy, but it is essential," he said.

What does intensive fostering involve?

Intensive fostering is a full-time role supporting children and young people with complex needs. Anyone willing to take on the role is offered a salary of around £56,000 a year.

Islanders who were unable to attend the recent information sessions, but still want to find out more about becoming an intensive foster carer, can visit the website or email: fosteringandadoption@health.gov.je.