The search has begun for people interested in becoming foster carers to children who need specialist care.

The government has launched a recruitment campaign for its new full-time salaried fostering service.

It announced last month that foster carers will be paid £40,000 a year under the Intensive Fostering Service for children and young people with complex needs.

It aims to keep more vulnerable youngsters in local family settings instead of UK children's homes.

Around 20 young people are currently being cared for outside of Jersey.  

“Current foster carers in Jersey provide invaluable care to our looked-after children. But we have been unable to provide enough foster homes for some children and young people with exceptionally complex needs who require therapeutic care off-Island, which can cost more than
£200,000 a year for each child. We would like people from all cultural backgrounds and ethnicities to consider a career as an intensive foster carer, so that children and young people can be matched with carers who they can identify with."   - Children's Minister Senator Sam Mezec 

Prospective carers will be assessed and undergo comprehensive training so they can effectively support the emotional, psychological and social needs of the child in their care.

They will also get maintenance allowances, travel expenses and 28 days holiday, along with regular contact with a dedicated support social worker and access to specialist support groups.

It will include bail and remand care to stop any young person being kept in a police cell or other secure accommodation unnecessarily.

Three information events are being held next month:

Wednesday, 4 March 2020 at St Peter’s Parish Hall (in the chapel) from 6pm to 8pm
Saturday, 7 March 2020 at St Martin’s Public Hall from 10am to 12pm
Saturday, 14 March at St Paul’s Gate, St Helier, from 10am to 12pm.

Prospective intensive foster carers should register their interest online by Tuesday 31st March