Could you become an inspirational figure in the life of a child in care? By becoming a foster carer you could make a significant difference to the development of a child who has had a tough start in life, and who just needs a loving family environment to allow them to flourish and fulfil their potential.

Right now, there is a need to find singles or couples who can provide a home for children of all ages and backgrounds. Fostering First – the organisation responsible for foster care across the Island – has organised a drop-in session on Thursday October 22 from 5pm to 7pm for anyone who thinks they can become a carer. It’s at Bourne House, 97 Woodbourne Road, Douglas.

Anita Traynor, Fostering Lead at Fostering First, said:

“Children in care need a foster family to provide a stable, loving environment. 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 and a fee for the foster carer. 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 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. Foster carers must be over 21 and there is no upper age limit. Religious beliefs, marital status and sexuality are no barriers to becoming a foster carer – and it does not matter whether carers are single, married, divorced or co-habiting, or whether they are renting or own their own home. Fostering First will take time to consider the circumstances of all foster cares before matching them with a foster child.

Foster parents can provide short or long-term foster care which may be for a few weeks to several months or years. They can also provide 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. If you can’t make the October 22 session there are similar events at Bourne House on 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/