29th May 2026

Today we launched our regional campaign for Short Breaks foster carers for children with disabilities across Northern Ireland at the Island Arts Centre, Lisburn.

This has been made possible following the recent £13.1m Ministerial investment in Children’s Disability services which has allowed all five HSC Trusts to expand existing, or develop new, Short Breaks fostering services for the first time.

The campaign highlights the urgent need for Short Breaks foster carers to help support children and young people aged 0-17 with a range of physical and intellectual disabilities, autism and complex health needs.

Launching the campaign, Health Minister Mike Nesbitt said: “This is the first time short breaks for children with disabilities has been promoted on a regional basis and included in regional HSC NI Foster Care branding and I am delighted that we have been able to achieve this through the additional investment I approved for Children with Disabilities services.

While provision remains comparatively small, short breaks fostering plays a critical role within the wider continuum of fostering and family support. The launch of the regional short breaks fostering campaign is an important step in helping to raise awareness and attract new carers.”

Marie-Louise Sloan, Director of Children’s Services is South Eastern HSC Trust said: “I’m delighted to speak on behalf of the five Trusts’ Directors and welcome the launch of this first ever regional recruitment campaign for Short Breaks fostering for children with disabilities.

Short Breaks foster care provides children with safe, nurturing experiences outside their home, while also giving parents and carers the valuable time and support they need to rest and recharge – ensuring families feel supported rather than overwhelmed. Through offering Short Breaks, foster carers and families can work together to improve wellbeing, create stability and strengthen a child’s wider support network – which is particularly critical for children and young people with disabilities who often aren’t afforded the same opportunities as their peers.”

The number of children with disabilities known to social services is continuing to rise in Northern Ireland, up 29% (to 5,564 children) over the past 6 years from March 2019 – March 2025 (DoH/SPPG Regional Statutory Functions data, 2025).

There are currently 109 children and young people with disabilities waiting for Short Breaks fostering across the region.

Eimear Hanna, Head of Service for Fostering, HSC NI Foster Care said: “We are delighted to launch the regional Short Breaks service for children with disabilities across all five HSC Trust areas in Northern Ireland.

Short Breaks foster carers play a vital role in supporting families by welcoming children with disabilities into their homes, providing parents and carers with essential opportunities to rest and recharge. Regular contact with a Short Breaks foster carer can be an incredibly enjoyable and positive experience for a child – offering them opportunities to have fun, build their confidence and make new friends while offering families a crucial source of support to help them continue to care for their child.

Short Breaks foster care is a flexible and accessible way to get involved and can be accommodated alongside existing work and family commitments. Typically, Short Breaks foster carers are asked to provide one or two nights per month, although many choose to offer additional support. Over time, these arrangements can create strong and positive relationships between carers and families. This campaign aims to encourage more individuals to come forward and consider making a valuable contribution to families within their local communities.”

Who can be a Short Breaks foster carer for Children with Disabilities?

• Married/ co-habiting couples or single people
• People from all religious, cultural, social and economic backgrounds
• People with or without existing children
• Anyone aged over 21; there is no upper age limit provided you are healthy and have the energy to meet the needs of the child/ young person placed
• Heterosexual or LGBTQI+
• You do not need to own your own home but must have a spare bedroom where the child can stay
• You do not need any specific qualifications or experience
• Carers are asked to commit to providing a minimum of one or two overnights per month; but often choose to provide more regular support to children and families on a fortnightly or weekly basis
• Short Breaks Foster Care is a flexible and accessible way to get involved and can be accommodated alongside existing work and family commitment.

Interested in finding out more?

Call us on 0800 0720 137 or complete an online enquiry form 

Alternatively we are hosting two virtual information sessions where you can hear more from our short breaks for children with disabilities teams. No registration required, everyone welcome

Virtual information session 1

Date:	Thursday 4 June
Time:	7.30pm – 8.30pm
Join via MS Teams:	Meeting ID: 384 857 140 022 559 Passcode: Mn38Tg73

Virtual information session 2

Date:	Tuesday 16 June
Time:	1.00pm – 1.30pm
Join via MS Teams:	Meeting ID: 398 443 091 230 221 Passcode: hd9An3qn

https://www.health-ni.gov.uk/news/urgent-regional-appeal-launches-short-breaks-foster-carers-children-disabilities