The messages follow the launch of a new campaign by the Government of Jersey to dispel myths about who can foster a child.
Children’s Minister Sam Mézec said: ‘Fostering is open to everyone who can offer a child the love and care they deserve, help them to thrive, and meet their needs. Ahead of Channel Islands Pride this weekend, we feel it is important to share the experiences from LGBT+ foster carers.’
Same-sex married couple Debbie and Dee Sallows-Byrne, of St Helier, who received an award at the Foster Carers’ Award Ceremony earlier this year, have spoken about their rewarding experiences of fostering children in Jersey.
‘It is the best feeling in the world when a child’s face lights up when you collect them, or they rest in your arms at night feeling safe. This is why we became foster parents,’ they said.
The Fostering and Adoption team will be attending Channel Islands Pride, which takes place on Saturday, with a pop-up event for Islanders to find out more details.
Senator Mézec added: ‘Thank you to Debbie and Dee Sallows-Byrne for speaking to the Government of Jersey about their experience of fostering. LGBT+ foster carers and adopters (whether single or in relationships) can change children’s and young people’s lives. It doesn’t matter what your family looks like. If you can provide a loving home for children who need it, you can be considered for fostering.’
This latest fostering campaign comes as it was announced that relationship education will be part of an existing compulsory curriculum, which will teach pupils about relationships, including LGBT+, discrimination and prejudice.
Currently, primary school children are taught PSHE, which is a programme designed to help them develop the skills that they need to manage their lives now and in the future.
As part of the week leading up to Channel Islands Pride, LGBT+ author Olly Pike will be presenting copies of his books, which include ‘Kenny lives with Erica and Martina’ which he is offering to every primary school in Jersey.
Additionally, RBC’s Gaspé House is celebrating Pride weekend with each floor of the building shining a different colour of the iconic rainbow flag. HSBC House, also on the Esplanade, will be lit up from this evening for the duration of the weekend.
