Fostering ads defended

A senior Guernsey politician has responded to criticism of adverts for foster parents that appeared recently in the local media.

A caller to BBC Radio Guernsey's phone said that youngsters were promoted "like puppies for sale" in the Children Board's adverts.

Guernsey's Children Board President, Deputy Jean Pritchard, said that advertising in this way was a normal procedure and encouraged prospective parents to come forward.

She said the children were completely involved in the advertising process as they chose what they would like said about them and they could see the advert before it was published.

Ms Pritchard said adverts in the local media were a vital tool for raising awareness about the number of youngsters needing new homes.

And it was not only the under-threes that required long-term fostering.

She said: "We need people who can take care of sibling groups and we also need supported lodgings for those who are over 16.

"We need people who are there to give support as any family would because that's what children need."