Becoming a foster carer doesn’t just change the life of a child, it can also enhance the lives of carers too. Seeing a child who has had a tough start in life flourish in a loving family environment can be incredibly rewarding.

Right now, there is a need to find singles or couples who can make a long-term commitment to provide a home for children aged from around 10 years old to those in their early teens. Fostering First – the organisation responsible for foster care across the Island and which is part of The Children’s Centre – is organising a drop-in session this Friday [September 25] from noon to 2pm for anyone who thinks they can become a carer. It’s at Bourne House, 97 Woodbourne Road, Douglas.

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

“Children in care in this age group really need a foster family to provide a stable, loving environment in the long-term – that means until they’re 18 years old. It’s a big challenge, but also very rewarding for foster carers willing to make what can often be a life changing commitment to a child. Carers can be single or couples and all foster carers receive training, help, and support from Fostering First as well as financial remuneration to cover the expenses of caring for a child. We’re always happy to have an informal chat with anyone who thinks that they can provide this type of care, and to discuss any questions or concerns they may have.”

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.

In addition to long-term carers, there is also a need on the Island for short term foster carers – which may be for a few weeks to several months; emergency fostering – for when a child comes into care suddenly; and respite care which means providing regular care for children for short periods of time as a support to their family or other foster carers. Fostering First hosts monthly drop-in sessions at Bourne House for anyone who is interested in becoming a foster carer. Sessions in the next few months are on the following dates and times: October 22, 5pm to 7pm; November 27, noon to 2pm; and December 16, 4pm to 6pm.

To find out more about fostering just attend one of the drop-in sessions, phone 631947, or email fosteringfirst@thechildrenscentre.org.im. 

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