14 islanders are now in the process to become foster carers after a government plea following the worst carer crisis in a decade.

An island-wide campaign was launched last month to recruit more foster carers as numbers dipped from 37 to just 21 following the pandemic.

More than 30 enquires have been made to the Fostering and Adoption Team since the beginning of the appeal.

The government says 14 islanders have now passed the first stage of the recruitment process to become carers, with more awaiting home visits in the coming weeks.

They will now take part in training sessions.

Assistant Minister for Children and Education, Constable Richard Vibert says he is pleased with the outcome.

"We recognised the shortage of foster carers in Jersey and asked for islanders' help. It's amazing to see the island come together so quickly to support our children and young people."

However, people aged 21 and over continue to be asked to consider fostering and to get in touch with the fostering team if they feel they can give a child a home.

Carers receive a package of financial and emotional support.

There is a range of care options that islanders can choose from, to best fit their lifestyle.

• Emergency care – when children need to be fostered in an emergency, for up to two weeks.
• Respite care – for specific periods such as weekends or to offer foster carers a rest.
• Specialist short break - supporting children and families with complex needs, usually for three hours in the community or overnight in their own homes.
• Short-term foster care - providing care for several weeks up to two years.
• Long-term foster care – providing a permanent home for a child.
• Intensive foster care – providing full-time care for a child with high-level needs, with a specialist fee.

You can find more information on becoming a foster carer here.