'Every child who we've fostered has shaped us'

A fostering ambassador has opened up about how caring for more than 20 children has made her life better.

Emily Hopkins has been fostering for years and said every child has had a positive impact on her life.

"Every single child that has stayed with us has shaped us - you shape each other," she added.

It comes as the Government of Jersey is urging people to consider becoming foster carers.

Islanders can find out more at a drop-in event at St Helier Town Hall on Monday 31 March from 17:15 until 19:00 BST.

Sarah Wakeham, from the fostering and adoption team, said different types of carers are needed to help children in varied scenarios ranging from emergency placements to respite care.

When Mrs Hopkins and her wife asked the children they have cared for what qualities they thought foster carers should have, they often said "caring, patient and kind".

"One child said 'understanding' and this has two dimensions.

"One is understanding that child has come to your home in a sticky situation and they need help.

"The other dimension is understanding that even though you know they've had a tough time, you haven't been there yourself so it's having the patience to let them manage in their own way.

"You journey alongside the child during the low points but you also journey alongside them with all the successes and positive steps," she added.

Ms Wakeham said foster carers did not have to have been a parent before and there was no upper age limit.

She said the government offered allowances and carers' fees as well as funding for breakfast, after-school and holiday clubs.

The team also provided 24-hour support to carers, she added.

She said: "The more carers we have available the better we can match a particular child to a particular foster carer, and their skills and lifestyles.

"It really improves outcomes for our children in care."

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