Ian and Denise Stewart have enjoyed their fostering experience. (Picture by Tom Tardif, 0790537)

LOCAL children in need of care are being forced off-island because there are no foster carers available.

The Health and Social Services Department said that, despite appeals in the media, the Fostering and Adoption Team had been unsuccessful in recruiting any new foster carers.

The situation is so serious that the department has circulated an appeal among its own staff.

‘Being a foster carer is one of the most rewarding jobs and we are encouraging people to come forward and use their skills and qualities to make a real difference to the lives of some of the Bailiwick’s most vulnerable children,’ said Anita Harrild, deputy director of HSSD’s Services for Children and Young People.

One couple, Denise and Ian Stewart, decided they wanted to start fostering last year during the 2008 campaign.

Since then they have helped to care for two young boys.

‘When our son was one, we heard one of our friends was fostering, so it brought it to our mind,’ said Mrs Stewart, 38.

‘Then we saw an advert in the Guernsey Press and thought, “we could do that”.’

The couple were given training in preparation, including a course one night a week for six weeks, which taught them about what to expect when fostering.