109 children waiting as urgent appeal launches for foster carers across Northern Ireland
- Love Ballymena
- 3 minutes ago
- 3 min read
An urgent regional appeal has been launched to recruit more foster carers for children with disabilities across Northern Ireland, as more than 100 young people remain waiting for vital short break support.
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has announced the first ever region-wide campaign for Short Breaks foster carers for children and young people with disabilities, amid growing demand across all five Health and Social Care Trust areas.
There are currently 109 children and young people — from birth to 17 years old — waiting to be matched with carers who can provide regular overnight support for families caring for children with physical disabilities, intellectual disabilities, autism and complex health needs.
The appeal comes after a £13.1 million ministerial investment into Children’s Disability services, allowing trusts across Northern Ireland to expand or establish dedicated Short Breaks fostering services for the first time.
Families under pressure as demand for support grows
Short Breaks foster care is designed to give families caring for children with disabilities regular periods of respite, while also offering children opportunities to socialise, build confidence and experience new activities in a safe environment.
Health officials say the service remains comparatively small but plays a crucial role in helping families continue caring for children with complex needs at home.
Launching the campaign, Mike Nesbitt said the move marked an important step in increasing awareness and attracting more carers across Northern Ireland.
“This is the first time short breaks for Children with Disabilities has been promoted on a regional basis and included in regional HSC branding and I am delighted that we have been able to achieve this through the additional investment I approved for Children with Disabilities services,” he said.
“While provision remains comparatively small, short breaks fostering plays a critical role within the wider continuum of fostering and family support.
“The launch of the regional short breaks fostering campaign is an important step in helping to raise awareness and attract new carers.”
What short break foster carers actually provide
Short Breaks carers typically provide one or two overnight stays per month for a child or young person, although some families arrange support on a weekly or fortnightly basis.
Health and Social Care officials say the role can often be fitted around existing employment and family commitments, making it more flexible than many people realise.
Eimear Hanna, Head of Service for HSC NI Foster Care, said carers provide a lifeline for families who often face significant pressures every day.
“We are delighted to launch the regional Short Breaks service for children with disabilities across all five HSC Trust areas in Northern Ireland,” she said.
“Short Breaks foster carers play a vital role in supporting families by welcoming children with disabilities into their homes, providing parents and carers with essential opportunities to rest and recharge.”
She added that regular contact with carers can have major benefits for children themselves.
“Regular contact with a Short Breaks foster carer can be an incredibly enjoyable and positive experience for a child – offering them opportunities to have fun, build their confidence and make new friends while offering families a crucial source of support to help them continue to care for their child.”
Who can apply to become a foster carer
The campaign is encouraging people from a wide range of backgrounds to consider becoming Short Breaks foster carers.
Applicants can include:
• Married or co-habiting couples
• Single people
• People with or without children
• Individuals from all religious, cultural, social and economic backgrounds
• Heterosexual or LGBTQI+ applicants
Potential carers must be over 21 years old, although there is no upper age limit provided applicants are healthy and able to meet the needs of the child placed with them.
Applicants do not need to own their own home, but they must have a spare bedroom available for overnight stays.
No formal qualifications or previous fostering experience are required.
Online information events planned in June
Health and Social Care officials are now urging anyone interested in finding out more to attend upcoming online information sessions taking place next month.
The events will be held:
• Thursday 4 June from 7:30pm to 8:30pm
• Tuesday 16 June from 1:00pm to 1:30pm
Further information about becoming a Short Breaks foster carer is available by calling HSC NI Foster Care on 0800 0720 137.
People can also find details online at:
Joining details for the online information sessions are also available through the website.
The regional campaign marks the first coordinated effort across Northern Ireland to specifically recruit carers for children with disabilities — a move health officials hope will ease pressure on families currently waiting for support and help provide more stable care opportunities for some of the region’s most vulnerable young people.