The Isle of Wight has a brilliant environment for children to grow up and flourish in.
Unfortunately, every year children are taken into care because their parents, for one reason or another, may be unable to look after them. It may be that their parents are going through a difficult period, or that the child is abused or neglected. The problem is often unrelated to the child, and whatever it may be, the child needs looking after while the issues are resolved. The children can be hurt, frightened and sometimes angry, and deserve the support, shelter and comfort of a real home.
Fostering is caring for such children in your own 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 of 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, bur 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 very 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 an IOW foster carer, you will be provided with the challenging opportunity to add change and direction to a child’s life.
The type of fostering placement required depends on the particular needs of the child in question. Different types of placement include: