What is fostering and why foster?
The Isle of Wight has a brilliant environment for children to grow up and flourish in. Unfortunately, every year many children are taken into care because their parents, for one reason or another, may be unable to look after them. The problem is often unrelated to the child, and whatever it may be, the child needs looking after while the issues are resolved.
Fostering is caring for such children in your home. It is not adoption, but it can mean looking after a child for a week, a month, a year or sometimes even longer, helping them to thrive in a caring and safe environment. As a foster carer you are part of a team which includes social workers, health visitors and doctors, all or whom are caring for and nurturing a child with the aim of returning them to their family, to an adoptive placement or independent living.
There are many children and young people who need foster carers. By being able to provide a secure and loving home, you will help a child develop their self-esteem and learn that they are valued.
You will not only help to change the lives of children, but you will change your own too. Because by helping a child progress and grow in your care, you can give yourself true personal fulfilment.
While fostering can be rewarding you will at times face difficulties. We offer a strong support team and do everything possible to help our carers. You will be working with a totally professional, experienced team of people, providing you with quality support and guidance.
As a foster carer on the Isle of Wight, you will be provided with the challenging opportunity to add change and direction to a child’s life.
For further information on fostering call us on 01983 566011 or visit www.iwight.com/fostering
