Skip to main content Skip to accessibility
This website is not compatible with your web browser. You should install a newer browser. If you live in Jersey and need help upgrading call the States of Jersey web team on 440099.
Government of Jerseygov.je

Information and public services for the Island of Jersey

L'înformâtion et les sèrvices publyis pouor I'Île dé Jèrri

More foster carers needed for teenagers

25 August 2023


​The Government of Jersey has today launched a new campaign to recruit more foster carers for teenagers.

‘Making Time for Teens’ aims to encourage more people to consider fostering teenagers, which could help change their lives.

This campaign runs until 8 September and features social media advertising and digital advertising. Anyone interested in exploring becoming a foster carer for teenagers can contact the Fostering and Adoption team to find out more.

In Jersey, there are currently 22 Mainstream Foster Carers, 13 Connected Carers, 4 Specialist Short Break Carers and 3 Intensive Foster carers.

Team Manager for Fostering and Adoption Jersey, Sarah Wakeham, said: “There are children and young people of varying ages in Jersey who would benefit from safe, loving foster placements. Sometimes, people don’t always realise that teenagers need a foster home. We’re so grateful to all our foster parents in Jersey who do such fantastic work, opening their homes to the children and young people who need that support.

“Now we’re asking more Islanders to consider taking on the role of a fostering parent. It’s a detailed process, with full training and support on-hand. If you feel like you can make time for a teenager in your life, we’d love to hear from you.”

The campaign features Ceira, now 22, who was fostered for six months at the age of 16. Speaking about the campaign, Ceira said: “Having somewhere that I knew I was going to bed at night and where I knew someone was going to smile at me when I was walking out the door to school in the morning made all the difference.”

She added: “You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to be human, and you need to be caring, and with these combined you have the potential to be a foster carer. That’s all you’ve got to do.”

Assistant Minister for Children and Education, Connétable Richard Vibert, said: “We’ve had a positive response to all our campaigns this year, and I’d like to sincerely thank everyone who came forward from those campaigns.

“We are now asking more Islanders to consider fostering teenagers, who are often overlooked in the care system. Fostering a teenager can be a daunting experience, but one which will be hugely rewarding for all involved and will make a significant difference to their lives.

“Providing teenagers with a caring home will allow them to feel safe and secure and improve their self-esteem at a particularly vulnerable time.”

Anyone who is interested in becoming a foster carer in Jersey can contact the Fostering and Adoption Team on: (01534) 443970 or email fosteringandadoption@health.gov.je 

Back to top
rating button