A “STRONG focus” has been placed on improving support for Jersey’s foster carers after 46 carers de-registered or resigned from the service in just four years, prompting concerns about retention and stability within the system.
Children’s Minister Richard Vibert published figures in response to a written question by Deputy Hilary Jeune that show that since January 2022 there have been 46 de-registrations or resignations.
During that same period, the overall number of approved carers has fallen from 40 at the start of 2022 to 31 at the start of this year.
In 2022 alone, 13 carers left the service. A further 12 departed in 2023, 11 in 2024 and eight in 2025. One carer has left already this year.
Seventeen carers stepped down for “personal reasons” such as health, family issues or retirement while four withdrew specifically citing “dissatisfaction” with service, support, of financial arrangements within the service.
Six carers were de-registered for not meeting fostering standards or expectations.
In response, the minister says there has been a “strong focus on improving the service offered to foster carers in response to the issues raised by them”.
Measures introduced include regular engagement events with senior leaders, an improved retention strategy, and more recognition events to “encourage a connection”.
The fostering team now comprises 80% permanent staff in a bid to improve consistency of support and relationships.
Financial rewards, grants and incentives were enhanced last year, while training opportunities have been expanded to offer greater progression and development.
The managing allegations process has also been strengthened to ensure “robust management oversight” of complex investigations, and a permanent family support worker has been recruited to bolster carer support groups and retention efforts.
The government has also pushed ahead with numerous recruitment campaigns during this time.
A “myth-busting” campaign last March generated 25 enquiries, six of which were directly attributed to the campaign.
However, just one family progressed to a full fostering assessment – and is able to provide full-time care for one child or two siblings aged between five and 18, either short-term or permanently
Of the 25 enquiries, 14 withdrew for personal reasons, one was closed due to unsuitable accommodation, and nine remain active.
Mr Vibert said it is “difficult to put a value for money target against a fostering campaign”, arguing that “every foster carer who is recruited will add huge value” by offering a safe and stable home.
Nine enquiries are currently active and three new campaigns are planned for 2026, including a new scheme is inspired by the UK’s Mockingbird model – which replicates an extended family structure by connecting “satellite” foster homes with a central “hub home” of experienced carers, providing support, respite, and peer mentoring.
