Fostering

Fostering provides children who cannot live with their own families with alternative care where they can benefit from a loving, safe and stable home. Some of these children require care for a short time, others need nurturing homes until they reach independence.

There is a particular need for more foster carers who could offer children long term / permanent homes. These carers are committed to guiding vulnerable children through their teenage years, helping them build resilience and confidence for the years ahead.

There are currently 10 children waiting for a long term home in the Belfast Trust area, children like Joshua (aged 8). Joshua loves to play with his toys and games and enjoys playing outside with his football or engaging in any type of outdoor play. He has a great appetite and a good sleep routine

There are currently 1,700 children living with HSC foster carers across NI, of which 475 are living in the Belfast Trust area. The Belfast Trust want to find the right home

Fostering

for children in care first time round to limit disruption and instability in their lives. Therefore they need to recruit a wide pool of foster carers to allow for more choice and effective matching of children to carers. A shortage of foster carers means that children may be moved from home to home and away from their local area, school, family and friends and split from their siblings.

You can apply to foster whether you are married / co habiting or single, you own or rent your home, you work full time or are receiving benefits, and whether you have or do not have children of your own. Applications will be considered irrespective of religious / ethnic background or sexual orientation.

Could you foster?

Foster carers come from all walks of life, and more are urgently needed. 

Applications are considered irrespective of age, gender race religion or income.

Foster carers receive financial allowances and training and 24 hour support to help them care for the most vulnerable people in our society.   

 

 

How to access the Service

Anybody can access this service, by calling this number: Tel. 028 90 655523

Location

Fostering Recruitment and Assessment Team
Pine Lodge Annexe
186 Belmont Road
Belfast
BT4 2AS
Tel. 028 90 655523