BROTHERS and sisters are at risk of being split up as increasing numbers of siblings needing foster homes outstrips carers able to take them.
Barnardo's Northern Ireland issued an urgent appeal for more people to become foster parents after being asked to find carers for 72 brothers and sisters in the last 12 months - up from 53.
Without additional carers able to take more than one child the charity warns siblings will be separated.
Barnardo's specialises in finding homes for `difficult' to place children, including siblings, those who are older, from minority ethnic backgrounds or with disabilities.
It believes the pandemic and lockdown measures have piled additional pressure onto struggling families with job losses, deepening poverty and worsening mental health contributing to family breakdown.
In the last year it was asked to place 359 children - up from the 300.
However, the demand for sibling placements is a particular concern.
Helen Browne of Barnardo's said the children "have been through a lot and need loving, stable and safe families where they can stay together and support each other so they feel less isolated".
"We urge people to come forward to find out more about what being a foster carer involves. The average age for our foster carers is 55 and we welcome applications from people from all walks of life.
"We are asking people to think if they could give a home to a vulnerable child when they need it most. Your love and support can allow brothers and sisters to stay together and make a huge difference to their life - and to yours.
"If you are over 21, have a spare room and have the time and commitment to support a child - you could be the special person they need."
Experts provide training needed and 24/7 support and foster carers get a carer's allowance to help make a positive difference to a child's life.
Changing lives: Shirley and Trevor Blair from Co Antrim
A trip to her local shopping centre proved life changing for Shirley Blair and her husband Trevor after she picked up a Barnardo's fostering information leaflet.
It also changed the lives of the four children they have gone on to foster during the last 13 years, giving them a chance to grow up on the family farm, surrounded by animals and with the stability that was missing from their early lives.
After the Blair's own three children reached adulthood they decided that fostering could be for them and they are encouraging more people to consider caring for siblings.
For the last four years they have fostered a brother and sister aged 11 and nine who they believe benefited from being kept together.
"They’ve both been through the same hurt. They can talk to each other and help each other. They keep each other company," Mr Blair (63) said.
"When they first arrived they didn't even know how to play but our grandchildren are at the house a lot and really helped with that."
The children, who came from the city, now have their own chickens and ducks to feed and help Mrs Blair, a former garden nursery worker, in her own garden.
The 61-year-old said "when they arrived they were scared of the dark and didn't want to go out - now we can't keep them in".
A previous foster son (25) still visits, considering the farm his second home.
Mr Blair, a former quarry worker, said "we just wanted to give a child a chance by offering them a stable home".
“It has been good to see them get a new lease of life and grow stronger.
"We have loved and cared for them like our own, it's been a natural thing. We enjoy their company and it’s good when you get a smile. To see them happy and able to trust is a wonderful thing."
Find out more at barnardos.org.uk/foster/northern-ireland, ring 028 9065 2288 or email professionalfostering@barnardos.org.uk.
