More foster parents needed, Manx Care says

A series of drop-in session is set to be held across the island

More foster carers are needed to create "a wider pool" of support on the Isle of Man, Manx Care has said.

The family placement service within the health care body is hosting series of drop-in sessions to encourage more people to become foster parents.

Ed Coates from the service said those who opened their homes to vulnerable children were "amazing" but more were needed.

The fostering team will be available to talk to at supermarkets, swimming pools and coffee shops around the island until 24 May.

A foster walk on Douglas Promenade and a family day in Peel would also be held "celebrate the wonderful work" foster carers and their families do to coincide with the UK's annual Foster Care Fortnight, a spokeswomen said.

Recent figures confirmed more than 80 young people were currently in care on the Isle of Man.

'Most vulnerable people'

Mr Coates said "a wider pool of foster carers" would allow the service "to match the needs of each child more closely with the particular skills that each carer brings, and to find the right home for each child".

"Foster carers are the backbone of our service and make a huge contribution by opening their homes and building trusting relationships with children and young people who are in need of support and stability," he said.

"We sincerely appreciate the work they do, and the legacy they are creating for a new generation of young people on the island,” he added.

Executive director for social care, mental health and safeguarding Tim O’Neill said Foster carers played a "hugely important role" on the island because they provide "safe and loving care for some of our most vulnerable young people".

Last month Manx Care formally launched The Edge of Care scheme, which aims to provide immediate intensive support for families to reduce the number of children taken into care.