Isle Of Wight Council Highlights Urgent Need For More Foster Carers During Awareness Campaign

The Isle of Wight is joining a national campaign to highlight the need for more foster carers, as councils across the country work to ensure children can be matched with safe and stable homes.

Isle of Wight Council is supporting Foster Care Fortnight, which runs until 24 May and is led by The Fostering Network.

The campaign aims to raise awareness of fostering, celebrate the role of foster carers, and encourage more people to consider providing homes for children and young people.

This year’s theme, ‘This is Fostering’, focuses on the everyday reality of fostering and the impact carers have in helping children feel safe, supported and able to thrive.

Service Director for Children’s Social Care Kay Jones said foster carers play a vital role in supporting some of the Island’s most vulnerable children, adding that fostering can be “incredibly rewarding” with the right support and training.

The council says foster carers come from all walks of life and that people do not need to own their home or be married, but should have a spare room and the ability to offer a stable, caring environment.

Residents are being encouraged to talk about fostering, share campaign messages, and consider whether they could provide a home for a child in need.