Co Antrim foster carer says opening her home changed lives as 109 children wait for support

Sue Ellen McAuley (right) pictured with Grainne Whyte and Leon Whyte.

More than 100 children with disabilities across Northern Ireland are currently waiting to be matched with a short breaks foster carer, as one County Antrim woman urges others to consider what she describes as “the most rewarding thing that you’ll ever do.”

With growing pressure on families caring for children with complex needs, foster carers are being asked to provide vital short breaks that give parents and guardians time to rest, recharge and manage everyday life.

Among those speaking out is Sue Ellen McAuley from Ballymoney, who has spent more than a decade providing short breaks for children with disabilities after first seeing the impact the support could have while working in a special school.

She said the experience transformed not only the lives of children and families, but her own as well.

“I would just say to anybody who’s thinking about it or considering it, to give it a go. It doesn’t matter whether you’re 18 or 48,” she said.

“If you have the time and the space in your life and the love in your heart and a little bit of patience, just give it a go. You will not regret it. It is the most rewarding thing that you’ll ever do.”

Families facing growing pressure across Northern Ireland

Across Northern Ireland, there are currently 109 children and young people aged from birth to 17 waiting to be matched with a Short Breaks foster carer.

The children have a wide range of needs, including physical and intellectual disabilities, autism and complex health conditions.

Short break carers provide planned overnight stays and regular support, helping children build confidence and relationships while giving parents and carers an opportunity to rest from the constant demands of full-time care.

For many families, the support can become life-changing.

Leon, now almost 16, was first introduced to Sue Ellen when he was just five years old. His mother, Grainne Whyte, said the support her family received became invaluable over the years.

“Honestly, from the day and hour that Leon was introduced to Sue Ellen, she has just always been there for him,” she said.

“We’ve been able to text her, call her, she checks in to see how he is. I check in with her when Leon’s there. It’s been invaluable.”

Trust says more carers are urgently needed

Health and Social Care services are continuing to encourage more people to come forward amid ongoing demand for carers willing to provide short breaks for children with disabilities.

Northern Trust Director of Children’s Services and Executive Director of Social Work, Maura Dargan, said many people underestimate their suitability for the role.

“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,” she said.

“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 Breaks foster carer?

Health and Social Care NI says people from a wide range of backgrounds are eligible to apply.

Those who can become a Short Breaks foster carer include:

• Married or 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 active enough to support a child or young person

• Heterosexual or LGBTQI+ applicants

• People who rent or own their home, provided they have a spare bedroom

• People without specific qualifications or previous fostering experience

Carers are normally asked to commit to providing a minimum of one or two overnight stays each month, although many families choose to offer more regular weekly or fortnightly support once relationships are established.

Information event planned this month

An online information event for anyone interested in becoming a Short Breaks foster carer will take place on Tuesday 16 June from 1pm to 1.30pm.

People can find out more about becoming a foster carer by calling HSC NI Foster Care on 0800 0720 137 or by visiting:

Find out more!

Details for the online information event are also available at:

Online Information Event

As the number of children waiting for support continues to grow, health officials say even a small commitment from carers can make a lasting difference to families who are often under enormous emotional and physical pressure behind closed doors.