06 January 2018
Fostering and Adoption Jersey is
launching a New Year appeal for the public to consider doing something amazing
in 2018 by becoming foster carers for Jersey’s most vulnerable children.
The New Year often brings with
it the need for a new start and positive change. Fostering and Adoption Jersey
would like to call out to all Islanders who may be in a position to provide a
caring home for local children in need and bring positive change to their lives
and those of local children.
In 2018, Fostering and
Adoption Jersey will continue to raise awareness of foster care in the
community and encourage people to open their hearts and homes to local children
in need of love and support.
The Service has a steady
demand for foster families and hopes to recruit another 10 foster families in
2018 in order to meet the needs of children who are unable to live with their
own families.
Jersey needs more foster cares
from all walks of life – married or single, mixed- or same-sex couples, as well
as those from different cultural and religious backgrounds. Foster carers leave
a lasting positive impression on lives and without them young people would have
limited opportunities to reach their potential.
Foster care is challenging but
incredibly rewarding; it can help turn children's lives around and establish
hope for their future.
Foster carer Pauline Graham
was awarded an MBE in 2016 for her commitment to local children, having
fostered over 90 children over the past 24 years. When asked about her
achievements, Pauline insists that seeing children “get the best out of life” is
her greatest reward. It’s hoped more carers like Pauline will respond to the ‘New
Year, New You’ campaign and help continue the valuable support given to local
children.
Emmy Lindsey, Manager of
Fostering and Adoption Jersey said “We are very fortunate in Jersey to have
many wonderful foster carers, but there is still a real need for more people to
come forward. We want to be able to offer the right placement for all children
who come into our care.”
The Fostering and Adoption
Team will be holding an information site at the Jersey Library on Saturday 13
and Wednesday 17 January between 10am and 2.30pm to enable interested members
of the public to find out more about fostering.
gov.je