JERSEY is facing its biggest foster carer crisis in a decade, the Children’s and Education Minister has revealed, as she issued a plea for Islanders to take up the role.
Deputy Inna Gardiner said there is a variety of roles available to those who have thought about taking up the role – including emergency care, short-term care and intensive foster caring.
Her comments come as the government announced an Island-wide appeal to make people aware of the current shortage.
Islanders who are 21 and over can apply to be a foster carer and will be supported financially and emotionally while they are fostering a child.
Deputy Gardiner said: ‘Our children urgently need foster carers. We have not seen a crisis like this in fostering and adoption for ten years, which means that we need your help.
‘I would urge any Islanders who can help to change a child’s life to get in touch with the fostering team or come along to one of our pop-ups over the summer. If you are considering becoming a foster carer, this is the perfect opportunity for you.’
The fostering team will be hosting pop-up stalls across the Island over the coming weeks and Islanders are invited to go along for an informal chat to learn more about the role.
To find out more information visit www.gov.je/fosteringandadoption or by calling 01534 443970
