Adoption and fostering information

Adoption

Information, support and advice on adoption in the Isle of Man is available from:

Fostering

Right now there are children in the Isle of Man who need the support of foster carers to help bring some stability into their lives. You can make a difference now, join Fostering First and help vulnerable children thrive within their community.

Could you:

• help a child cope during a difficult time?
• offer understanding and nurture to a child who may show their emotions through their behaviour?
• give time and commitment to helping a child adjust to being part of your family?

Do you:

• want to work as part of a team with Fostering First to support the interests of children?
• want to benefit from our support and training to help develop your skills and confidence in the fostering role?

Drop-in sessions

Fostering First are holding a series of drop-in sessions which will run throughout the year in order to make it easier for individuals to pay a visit and learn a little more about fostering.

These sessions take place at Bourne House, 97 Woodbourne Road, Douglas.

2015 Sessions

• Friday 27 November, 12pm to 2pm 
• Wednesday 16 December, 4pm to 6pm 

Who can foster?

Foster carers come from all walks of life.

• tt is OK to be married, divorced or single, or co-habiting
• you need to be over 21, if you are coming up to retirement or just starting out we want to hear from you
• age is not as important as the ability to care for a child
• some carers have children and some do not
• some carers are home owners and some are not

What is involved?

There is a need for many different kinds of care for children and young people, which fall into 4 broad categories:

• Short term: This is when you take a child into your home where often the plan for the child is an eventual return home. Timescales can be from a few weeks to several months
• Long term: This is when children are unable to return home and need a long term permanent home
• Emergency: This is when a child comes into care suddenly, they will remain with you usually for a short while until further plans have been made for them
• Respite care: This is providing regular care to children for short periods of time as a support to birth families or other foster carers

How Fostering First can support you

At Fostering First we will provide you with:

• a comprehensive foster care preparation programme to help you develop your fostering knowledge and skills
• ongoing training packages through your fostering career
• financial remuneration to cover the expenses of caring for a child
• a fostering link worker who will visit at regular intervals to support you in your fostering role

About Fostering First

Fostering First was established in April 2010 following the signing of a contractual agreement between the Department of Social Care and The Children’s Centre. See 'related links' for more information.