A drop-in session will take place tomorrow lunchtime (Friday) for anyone thinking about becoming a foster carer.
It will take place from midday to 2pm at Bourne House, 97 Woodbourne Road, Douglas.
Foster carers can be single people as well as couples, but must be able to make a long-term commitment to provide a home for children aged from around 10 years old to those in their early teens.
Nigel Howard, deputy fostering manager at Fostering First, said: ‘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.’
Foster carers can come from a wide range of backgrounds and parenting experience is not essential, although some experience and knowledge of children is beneficial.
Foster carers must be over 21 (there is no upper age limit), and they can be married, divorced or single, or co-habiting.
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, noomidday 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 www.thechildrenscentre.org.im