Foster carers celebrated as Bailiwick marks Foster Care Fortnight
- Foster Care Fortnight runs to 24th May, with the theme 'This is Fostering' highlighting everyday realities of foster care
- The Family Placement Service is hosting drop-in sessions at Beau Sejour on 20th May, Guernsey Park Run on 23rd May, and Beach House on 23rd May
- Over half of the Bailiwick's foster carers have been fostering for more than ten years, according to the Family Placement Service
- The next Skills to Foster Course will run from 29th to 31st May 2026 for those interested in becoming foster carers
The Family Placement Service is encouraging islanders to consider fostering during Foster Care Fortnight, which runs running until 24th May.
The national campaign aims to raise awareness of the life-changing impact of foster care and inspire more people to open their homes to children and young people who need stability and support.
This year's theme, 'This is Fostering', focuses on the everyday realities of fostering and the profound difference carers make in children's lives. Throughout the fortnight, members of the fostering community will share their experiences, highlighting the small but powerful moments that matter — from helping a child build trust to supporting them through school transitions.
Cath Black, team manager at the Family Placement Service, said: "Foster Care Fortnight gives us an opportunity to thank all foster carers in the Bailiwick for their remarkable commitment to caring for some of our most vulnerable children. We are fortunate to have dedicated foster carers, over half have been fostering for more than ten years."
Ms Black added: "Every foster carer plays a crucial role in helping children feel valued, supported, and safe. Whether someone can offer short term care, long term stability, or specialised support, their contribution can be life changing. Islanders don't need special qualifications or a perfect home to foster - just compassion, patience, and the ability to provide a safe and nurturing environment."
To help those interested in fostering learn more, the Family Placement Service will host several drop-in sessions during the fortnight. These include sessions at Beau Sejour Leisure Centre on Wednesday 20th May from 3pm to 7pm, at Guernsey Park Run at Pembroke Bay on 23rd May, and at Beach House in Pembroke on Saturday 23rd May from 9am to 11am.
Ms Black said: "We encourage anyone considering fostering to attend one of our sessions to learn more about how they can help transform a child's future."
The Family Placement Service will hold its next Skills to Foster Course from 29th to 31st May 2026. The prerequisite course provides an opportunity for prospective carers to learn about the realities of the fostering role, covering what children need, fostering relationships, providing a protective and loving home, therapeutic care, supporting identity, and transitions and endings.
Anyone interested in fostering or other services, including becoming a mentor through the Supported Lodgings scheme, can contact the Family Placement Service at guernseyfostercare.com, call 01481 223182, or email [email protected].
Q&A
Q: What qualifications do I need to become a foster carer?
A: According to the Family Placement Service, islanders don't need special qualifications or a perfect home to foster. What's required is compassion, patience, and the ability to provide a safe and nurturing environment.
Q: When is the next Skills to Foster Course?
A: The next Skills to Foster Course will run from 29th to 31st May 2026. This is a prerequisite course that covers the realities of the fostering role, including what children need, fostering relationships, therapeutic care, and supporting identity.
Q: How can I find out more about fostering in Guernsey?
A: You can attend one of the drop-in sessions during Foster Care Fortnight, visit the Family Fun Day at Saumarez Park on 16th May, or contact the Family Placement Service at guernseyfostercare.com, call 01481 223182, or email [email protected].
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