08 March 2012
Local businesses are being asked to support Jersey’s fostering and adoption service by lending the team a space in the town centre where they could meet Islanders who want to know more about becoming a foster carer, or adopting a child.
Following the 2011 recruitment campaign, called ‘The Insight Campaign’, Fostering and Adoption Jersey welcomed 3 new foster carers and approved 6 prospective adopters. Emmy Lindsey, Team Manager for the Fostering and Adoption Team said: "There is still an urgent need for new foster carers and adopters to come forward so we can offer placement choice for children who come into our care. We are currently preparing for our next recruitment campaign which will take place from Monday 14 to Sunday 27 May, to coincide with ‘National Fostering Fortnight’.
Town centre base
"As part of this campaign we want to set up a temporary base in the centre of St Helier. I would therefore appeal to people who own a shop, which is empty and in a central position, to lend us this space for the two weeks of the recruitment campaign.
"The aim of using a shop is so that people who have an interest in Fostering and Adoption can ‘drop in’ and have an informal chat with members of the team to find out more. The shop will also be used to display the photographs from last year’s ‘Insight Campaign’ which captured what being involved in fostering and adoption means from all perspectives."
Mrs Lindsey said "Jersey is facing a real shortage of carers at this time. We need all sorts of carers for all sorts of children, whether this be carers who can offer short breaks or full time placements. Jersey faces some real challenges and this being so, our May campaign will unveil a new scheme to recruit ‘Specialist’ carers for the first time and for carers to be paid for the time they give. Having a town centre venue to meet people will really help us to speak to people and get our message out to the public."
If you are the owner of a shop which is empty for the two weeks of the recruitment campaign, please contact Emmy Lindsey, team manager on 445159, or email: e.lindsey@health.gov.je.
gov.je