Ballymena couple urge others to consider fostering children with disabilities as 109 young people wait for support

Ballymena couple Joy and David Wright

“It gives you a spark and a spring in your step, it’s just amazing.”

That is how a Ballymena couple describe the experience of providing short break foster care for children with disabilities as they encourage others across Northern Ireland to consider opening their homes to children and families in need of support.

David and Joy Wright have seen first-hand the difference short break fostering can make — not only for children with disabilities, but also for parents and carers who rely on the service for vital respite and support.

Their appeal comes as demand for carers continues to grow, with 109 children and young people across Northern Ireland currently waiting to be matched with a short break foster carer.

The children range from birth to 17 years old and include young people living with physical and intellectual disabilities, autism and complex health needs.

Providing support where it is needed most

Short break foster care gives children and young people the opportunity to spend regular periods of time in a safe and supportive family environment while providing parents and full-time carers with an opportunity to rest and recharge.

For the Wright family, the decision to become involved came after seeing an appeal on social media seeking carers for children with special needs.

Joy, who has a nursing background, immediately felt she could make a difference.

“As someone with a nursing background, I felt I could make a difference and help manage any challenges that may arise,” she explained.

The couple say their different strengths complement each other and help create a positive experience for the children who stay with them.

David describes himself as the entertainer in the partnership, while Joy manages much of the practical side of caring.

“Joy takes care of the practical side, while I focus on keeping the children entertained. When she’s had a busy day preparing meals or getting them ready, I’m able to step in,” he said.

‘If that little seed is there, go for it’

For Joy, the rewards of fostering have far outweighed any initial uncertainty.

She says seeing children develop and grow in confidence has made the experience one of the most fulfilling decisions they have ever made.

“If you have that little seed in your head, go for it.

“It’s the best thing you’ll ever do, it’s been wonderful to see the children progress,” she said.

The couple hope their experience will encourage others to consider whether short break fostering could work for them, particularly those who may not realise they already possess many of the qualities needed.

Growing need for short break carers

The call for more carers comes as health and social care services continue to seek additional support for children with disabilities and their families across Northern Ireland.

Northern Trust Director of Children’s Services and Executive Director of Social Work, Maura Dargan, said short break carers provide an invaluable service for families.

“Short break carers make a real difference in the lives of children with disabilities and provide parents and carers with essential opportunities to rest and recharge.

“Many people are surprised to learn that they may already have the qualities needed to be a short break carer. Patience, kindness and a willingness to learn are usually the most important factors - you don’t need prior experience.

“Short break care offers a different way to help. It can often fit around family life and work commitments, while still have a lasting impact on a child or young person.”

Who can become a short break foster carer?

Health and Social Care services say short break fostering is open to a wide range of people and backgrounds.

Potential carers can include:

• Married, co-habiting couples or single people

• People from all religious, cultural, social and economic backgrounds

• People with or without children of their own

• Anyone aged over 21, with no upper age limit provided they are healthy and able to meet the needs of the child or young person placed with them

• Heterosexual and LGBTQI+ applicants

• People who rent or own their homes, provided they have a spare bedroom available for the child to stay in

• People with no formal qualifications or previous fostering experience

Carers are asked to commit to providing a minimum of one or two overnight stays each month, although many choose to offer support on a weekly or fortnightly basis.

For families already considering fostering, David and Joy have a simple message — taking that first step could change lives, including your own.

With more than 100 children and young people currently waiting for support across Northern Ireland, health officials hope more people will come forward to ensure families can access the short breaks they need and children can enjoy new experiences in a caring family environment.

To find out more about becoming a Short Breaks foster carer, contact HSC NI Foster Care on 0800 0720 137 or visit adoptionandfostercare.hscni.net/foster-care/short-breaks-CWD/.