Just 2% of people respondents in Northern Ireland would consider fostering a child, according to new research, as the number of children in care reaches a record high.
Figures show that almost 4,000 children and young people in the north are in need of a safe home, but despite this, there are fewer people willing to foster.
Barnardo’s NI, which commissioned the YouGov poll, said a campaign to recruit new foster carers is being hampered by a number of pre-conceived notions about what it takes to become a foster carer.
Among these is age, with more than half of respondents to the study believing they are too old to become a foster carer, even though there is no upper age limit on becoming one.
Just 2% said they would consider fostering a child in the next five years.
Hilary Armstrong from the charity said: “We know there are people in Northern Ireland who would love to foster, but believe things like their age, financial situation, or because they have biological children, would prevent them from doing so.
“We want to bust these myths, as we believe that any loving person can make a wonderful foster carer.
“There is no upper age limit and fostering can be a hugely beneficial experience for the entire family, including birth children.
“At Barnardo’s we offer support and training every step of the way.”
Sisters-in-law Gillian Cassidy from Portaferry and Megan Stitt from Newtownabbey have 13 children and several years of fostering experience between them.
They are sharing their experience of welcoming children into their family homes in the hope it encourages more potential foster carers to do the same.
“I have three birth children and have fostered three little girls, I also provided day care for two sisters over the past three years,” said Ms Stitt.
“I would say that most of my inspiration to become a foster parent came from Gillian.
“After Gillian started fostering and when Covid hit, there was such a crisis and so many children during lockdown needed a safe place to live.”
Ms Cassidy added: “I also have three birth children, one adopted son and one foster daughter who will soon be adopted.
“When we adopted one of our sons, I started a peer group of friends who fostered and adopted, so we could be a support to each other.
“It became very obvious very quickly there was a massive need for foster carers in Northern Ireland, and a massive need for people who could support foster carers.
“When we talk to people about fostering, they say things like, ‘I couldn’t let them go’, and it is a really difficult part of fostering, but you do let them go, and it breaks your heart, but then you welcome the next child into your family.”
As part of Barnardo’s Fostering and Adoption campaign, the two women are encouraging others to get in touch with Barnardo’s NI.
We may be biased, but we think our foster carers Gillian & Megan are SIMPLY THE BEST!
— Barnardo's NI (@BarnardosNI) January 18, 2024
"It's not always easy, but it's always worth it."
Click the link to read their story about family life with 13 children 💚 https://t.co/M4OyJIMlCU pic.twitter.com/fLZRRRHKeF
Ms Cassidy said: “I think if you’ve ever had a thought in your mind that you might consider fostering – you should definitely take steps to find out more.
“Also, if you’re going to do it, do it now.
“It’s like starting a family - is there ever a right time? You’re never going to be 100% ready to do it - you just have to jump in.”
For more information please visit www.barnardos.org.uk/foster or call 028 90652288.
