Northern Ireland

Appeal for foster carers as number of children living in care increases during pandemic

A fresh appeal has been issued for foster carers in Northern Ireland following a drop in people coming forward during the pandemic
A fresh appeal has been issued for foster carers in Northern Ireland following a drop in people coming forward during the pandemic A fresh appeal has been issued for foster carers in Northern Ireland following a drop in people coming forward during the pandemic

FOSTER carers are urgently being sought following a rise in the number of vulnerable children placed in care during the pandemic.

With a drop in people also coming forward to offer homes over the past year, a fresh appeal has been issued by an organisation which supports fostering across Northern Ireland's five health trusts.

The HSC NI Foster Care said they want to showcase the work of people who offer "safe havens" and transform lives.

Over the next fortnight, an awareness campaign will highlight the benefits of the role as well as dispel myths on who can and cannot become a carer.

Latest figures show 2,780 children and young people are currently living in foster care, a rise of almost five per cent since last spring's lockdown.

Dylan Sloan (25) from Newtownabbey is a single carer who looks after teenagers with disabilities on a short term basis.

Approved last year, he had always wanted to foster but wasn’t sure if he could it. He now says he "hasn’t looked back".

"I thought about fostering from a very young age and recently turned my motivation into reality. Don’t rule yourself out because you don’t think you are a stereotypical foster carer," he said.

"I have worked with young people for years and I’m glad I can now use those skills to provide support and security to young people who need a home. Go along to your local HSC Foster Care information session and learn more about what fostering involves, and don’t forget to have fun along the way.”

Magherafelt couple Patricia and Colm Gray have fostered 65 children and young people over the past 14 years.

They have cared for newborn babies, teenagers and children with learning disabilities, ranging from an overnight stay to longer term.

"For me, the best part about fostering is seeing children achieve their potential because they are secure and happy. Seeing a child relax on the sofa or kick off their shoes shows they are starting to feel at home and once they are content and happy everything else follows," Mrs Gray said.

"Seeing the outcomes for the young people is worth any of the challenges and I love every minute of it.”

Una Carragher, who manages the central recruitment service for HSC NI Foster Care, said they were deeply appreciative to all carers who provided "love, care and security" to children during the pandemic.

The Fostering Network charity is also urging carers to come forward following a downturn in placements.

"At this time of huge uncertainty and instability foster carers homes have continued to be safe havens for children. Their unwavering commitment is a stabilising influence on children’s lives," charity director Kathleen Toner said.

"However, we are concerned that one of the outcomes of this year has been fewer people are have come forward to foster, despite the need being greater than ever. As we emerge from this crisis phase, many are re-evaluating their lifestyles. We would urge people to consider foster care as an option for their family."

To find out how you could give a child or young person a brighter future please call us on 0800 0720 137 or visit www.adoptionandfostercare.hsnci.net