Northern Ireland is facing a “foster care crisis” with a record number of children in care, a charity has warned.
Barnardo’s NI says there are almost 4,000 children in need of foster care and that there are still not enough people to provide stable homes.
The charity is calling on people to consider fostering.
As it launches its fostering campaign, Hilary Armstrong from Barnardo’s said a record number of children were entering the care system and there was an insufficient number of loving homes to accommodate them.
“We know fostering is a big decision, but with more children entering the care system each year, there’s no time to wait,” she said.
“Your skills and care can change a child’s life.
“The perfect time to foster a child doesn’t exist. But the right time is now.”
Two generations of a Co Down family, who have opened their homes to numerous foster children over the last two decades, are backing the campaign.
Since 2006, Avril (65) and her husband Brian (67) have fostered four children on a long-term basis for periods of up to eight years and provided homes for up to 30 other children in emergency situations.
“It’s so rewarding because you see the children thrive, and you work with them to overcome the challenges they face,” said Avril.
“We will always try our very best to help any child that stays with us to fulfil their potential.”
Inspired by his parents’ experience, their son David (41) and daughter-in-law Sharon (41) began fostering as well.
With two teenage birth children, they are currently fostering two children aged eight and five on a long-term basis.
“We started to do short breaks for children first and then got more involved in longer-term care,” said Sharon.
Both women have urged people to investigate if fostering is right for them, especially when so many children need loving homes.
“It would break your heart as there are not enough carers to go round for children who need them. There is such a need for fosters carers, now more than ever,” said Avril.
“The good news is that fostering has advanced and you can apply to help if you are single or in a same sex partnership.
“The short-term options are also there as foster carers also need a break and perhaps if you already work with children and young people, you may be well placed to get involved in short break fostering.”
Sharon added: “Fostering can be challenging sometimes but it is so definitely worth it when you see the difference it makes in a child’s life”.
For more information, please visit www.barnardos.org.uk/foster or call (028) 90652288.
