Islanders urged to adopt by dancing dad

Monday 17 October 2016

It may be the source of derision at Christmas and office parties, but a dancing dad has been used to try to get more Islanders to ponder whether they are suitable to adopt, or foster, a child.

The dancing dad is being featured in ads this month to encourage Islanders to consider adopting, or fostering a child.

This year's campaign showcases snippets of family life including the dad busting some moves alongside the caption "someone to teach your moves to" and a children's birthday party featuring the caption "party hard suddenly has new meaning."

Emmy Lindsey, manager of Fostering and Adoption Jersey, said: “It’s a colourful and creative approach and aims to connect with individuals that hope to experience the ups and downs of family life for themselves.

“This year we have been able to approve two new foster carers and five new adopters. We are currently working with a further six prospective foster carers and 10 prospective adopters who we are hoping to approve in the near future. We are however in need of more carers, especially foster carers and adopters who are able to consider providing a home for older children or siblings.”

Those already sharing their home are being encouraged to tweet their stories through the hashtag #adoptionstoriesjersey.

Mrs Lindsey said: “We are very fortunate in Jersey to have many wonderful foster and adoptive parents but there is still a real need for more people to come forward. We want to be able to offer the right family placement for the children who come into our care.

"Remember that you do not have to be married, or in a relationship, or in a heterosexual relationship to adopt or foster a child. Our message is that anyone who wants to has the potential to be a great parent, and we’d urge you to come along and find out more.”

The fostering and adoption team will be in Les Quennevais precinct on Friday and Saturday setting up a pop-up shop from 10:00 until 16:00 for anyone who wants to find out more.