Make Foster Care Your Career campaign

20 April 2021

A recruitment campaign has been launched to find Islanders interested in becoming foster carers for children with the greatest needs, who require specialist care and support.

Intensive foster carers will provide family-based placements in Jersey as a direct alternative to placing children and young people in residential homes or in children's homes off-Island.

Mark Owers, Director of Safeguarding and Care, said: "Our aim is to keep Jersey children in the Island, if this is in their best interest.

"Intensive foster caring is a specialist, full-time role to care for children will high needs and challenging behaviours. Difficulties often stem from adverse childhood experiences and developmental trauma".

"Given the needs of a child or young person who will require intensive fostering, successful applicants will not be able to undertake other employment for the duration of their role. They will, therefore, be paid a yearly salary, of £52,000, as well as receiving maintenance allowances, travel expenses and any necessary equipment.

"We would encourage anyone considering becoming an intensive foster carer and help to change a child's life to join our live webinar next month."

Prospective intensive foster carers will undergo assessment and will undertake comprehensive training so they can effectively support the emotional, psychological, and social development of the child in their care. They will also have regular contact with and support from a dedicated support social worker, psychologist and access to specialist support groups.

Intensive foster carers will receive 28 days' holiday and will also be asked to support other intensive foster carers by providing respite and short-break care.

To find out more visit the Government of Jersey website.