“It has been great for us and great for the child”

Tuesday 18 May 2021

Foster Care Fortnight is a chance for Social Workers in Guernsey to celebrate and promote foster carers and the loving homes they can provide.

The national campaign runs every year, and this time has focused on the theme #whywecare, championing the individuals who foster and their reasons for getting involved.

Express spoke to one foster carer about her experiences, why she decided to apply, and her advice for those who are thinking about it.

“I decided to do it about five years ago,” said Vicky Biggins. “We’ve had several placements since, and it has been a really positive experience.”

Pictured: Ms Biggins [left] and Senior Social Worker Emma Beaven [right].

The Family Placement Service is always open to new foster carers, and hopes that with more exposure, more families will come forward. Ms Beaven said there are numerous options for people depending on their circumstances. 

“Respite is offering support for other foster carers, perhaps over a weekend; short-term care can last up to two years, with the hope that they can return to their family; and long-term placements would be for the duration of their childhood,” she said.

Ms Biggins added: “A lot of people think there are only certain individuals who fit being a foster carer."

“That’s completely the wrong idea, lots of people are fit to be a foster carer. This was one of my main concerns, that I wouldn’t fit; but I went along and the help I was given was fantastic.

“Our current placement is becoming more longer-term, and the young child is really becoming a member of our family,” she said.

Pictured: The national campaign takes place from 10 to 23 May and the fostering network released a promotional video to coincide with it.

There are 23 ‘sets’ of carers in Guernsey, be that an individual or a couple, and 28 children in foster care.

“Children who come into care are all very different and it’s about having a pool of carers available to be able to meet those needs adequately,” said Ms Beaven.

“We really appreciate the decision to become a foster carer is not on that happens overnight, it’s something people think about for a long time. We’d really like anyone who is interested to get in contact with us, even if it’s just with one question."

The process is extensive, to make sure that children are paired with the right foster family, and to make sure those who apply are ready to look after a child.

“You’ll have a lot of interaction with a lot of professionals; social workers, psychologists, other foster carers, and then you’ll be invited to make a formal application," said Ms Beaven.

“From the time someone makes a formal application, it can take up to eight months to be approved."

Pictured: Guernsey Foster Care and Adoption services have been promoting fostering with ‘bugs’ dotted around the island.

The door is always open for a conversation about fostering and you can get in touch by emailing ‘change@guernseyfostercare.com’ or calling 01481 223182.

You can also find a wealth of information ONLINE. Even if you’re simply thinking about, it but not ready yet, Ms Biggins says it’ll be the best decision you ever make.

“My advice would be to 100% go for it, even if you only go along to the courses to meet other foster carers. Even if you don’t want to go through with it yet, go along and have a chat about it.

“It has been great for our family, as well as the child.”