The States of Guernsey has become the first employer in the Channel Islands to be awarded recognition as a ‘Fostering Friendly Employer’.
That’s because of its commitment to offer flexible working patterns for employees who are already foster carers, or are in the process of becoming carers.
The announcement came during Foster Care Fortnight, which ended last Friday.
The annual national campaign by The Fostering Network, exists to raise awareness of the impact of foster care.
The Chief Executive & Head of the Public Service, said the States – as an employer – recognises this.
“Fostering makes a huge difference to young people’s lives in the Bailiwick, by offering a home and providing the care and stability they need,” said Boley Smillie.
“While hugely rewarding, this role can be challenging at times and we want to make it as easy as possible for our employees who are foster or kinship carers to meet the needs of children in their care. Our new policy will provide additional support for those staff. I would strongly encourage other employers across the Bailiwick to consider registering for this scheme.”
The States offers “a flexible working pattern and up to nine days extra paid leave for workers’ fostering commitments”.
It also said that the leave “can be used for meetings with social workers, attending training, and settling young people into their new home”.
There is a shortage of foster carers on-island, with The Fostering Network saying there is a large need to recruit more households with a “breadth of capacity, skills and experience” to meet the needs of the diverse range of children who require care outside of their family, to minimise the need for children to move off-island, away from their community.
“Becoming a Fostering Friendly Employer is something to be really proud of,” said Mervyn Erskine, Executive Chair, The Fostering Network.
“Foster carers are the bedrock of children’s social care – for the difference they make to the lives of children. It is important that this vital role is not only recognised, but also encouraged by their employers.
“The scheme is free to join and suitable for organisations of any size – please get in touch with The Fostering Network to join the growing number of Fostering Friendly employers.”