Fostering First, which is responsible for foster care across the Island and part of The Children’s Centre charity, says there was a good response to a series of events held earlier this month to highlight the need to recruit more foster carers. Events were held at The Strand Shopping Centre, Sea Terminal and Tesco to mark Foster Care Fortnight which is a two week long awareness campaign developed and co-ordinated by The Fostering Network in the UK, this years these was ‘my connection to Fostering’. The campaign runs from June 1st to 15th in the UK, but here in the Isle of Man it was held between May 5th and 15th to avoid a clash with the TT. Fostering First staff and a current foster carer handed out information leaflets which explained the need for more foster carers on the Island and gave details of what is involved in becoming a carer.

Nigel Howard, Deputy Team Manager at Fostering First, said:

“We were delighted with the amount of interest generated at all of the Fostering Fortnight events. On average we spoke to around 40 people at each event and our staff answered lots of questions from individuals and couples about all aspects of foster care. Fostering is challenging, but also incredibly rewarding, and there is a real need for more foster carers to come forward and make a life-changing difference to the lives of children who have had a tough start in life. Deciding to become a foster carer is a big step to make, but we hope that some of those who showed an interest during Foster Care Fortnight will proceed with the application process. However, we are still keen to hear from anyone who is interested in becoming a foster carer and they are welcome to contact us at any time.”

Fostering First also hosts a series of monthly drop-in sessions at its HQ which is Bourne House, 97 Woodbourne Road, Douglas. These sessions also offer an opportunity for anyone interested in fostering to pop in for an informal chat with staff and get answers to any questions or concerns they may have. The next session is this Friday (May 22) from noon to 2pm. There are also drop-in sessions at the same venue on June 25 (5pm to 7pm) and July 24 (noon to 2pm).

Foster carers can come from a wide range of backgrounds and it’s not essential for them to have parenting experience. However, some experience and knowledge of children is beneficial. What all foster carers must be is caring and understanding, and possess the ability and desire to help a child grow emotionally. Foster carers must be over 21 (there is no upper age limit), and they can be married, divorced or single, or co-habiting. It does not matter whether or not they own their own home. All foster carers (especially those new to fostering) receive training, help, and support from Fostering First as well as financial remuneration to cover the expenses of caring for a child.

To find out more about fostering just attend one of the drop-in sessions or contact Fostering First by phoning 631947, or emailing fosteringfirst@thechildrenscentre.org.im. 

You also find more information at http://www.thechildrenscentre.org.im/. 

Photo - The Fostering First stand at The Strand Shopping Centre.