Network aims to connect foster carers and children

A network has been launched to give foster carers and children greater support.

The Hive is designed to bring foster families together in small, connected groups so carers can share support and guidance.

The States of Jersey said children and carers would get to know each other as part of a consistent and familiar group which would offer reassurance, advice and encouragement.

The children's minister Richard Vibert said 40 carers had resigned over the past four years and in February said his team would work to "improve consistency in the quality of relationships and support provided to carers".

The project took its name from a beehive as an experienced hub home carer would be placed at the centre of a group to guide the wider family of foster carers around them.

The hub home carer would also host regular social activities and training sessions to help carers connect, as well as offer practical support, like planned sleepovers for children when carers needed a break.

The network was designed to address some of the key challenges in fostering, including isolation and emotional strain.

It was hoped the new model would help attract more foster carers.

The fostering team would be available to answer questions in St Helier's central market on Friday 15 May, Saturday 16 May and Monday 18 May.

The Hive was launched to coincide with the start of Foster Care fortnight which runs from Monday 11 May to Sunday 24 May.

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