2nd September 2026
Megan* is a four-year-old girl who is looking for a caring and nurturing foster family who can offer her stability, patience and understanding. She has recently come into care and requires a foster home as soon as possible.
Megan enjoys music, nursery rhymes, outdoor activities and travelling in the car. She particularly likes swings, slides, musical toys and watching Miss Rachel. Familiar songs can be very comforting for Megan and are often helpful in supporting her to settle when she is feeling overwhelmed.
Megan has not yet started school and is due to attend a private nursery placement five days per week. As she is new to care, professionals are continuing to learn more about her individual personality, strengths, interests and needs.
At times, Megan finds it difficult to communicate how she is feeling and may rely on her behaviour to express her needs and preferences. She can let adults know when she does or does not want something and benefits from carers who are patient, observant and responsive. Megan is awaiting support from Speech and Language Therapy services, and foster carers will play an important role in encouraging her communication and development.
Megan has experienced a great deal of change recently. Professionals have observed that she benefits significantly from consistency, predictable routines and familiar adults. Although she may be unsettled initially in a new environment, there is evidence that, when given time and stability, she begins to feel more secure and her distress reduces considerably.
When overwhelmed, Megan may display self-injurious behaviours and requires adults who can respond with calm reassurance and therapeutic support. She is often comforted by buggy rides, car journeys, being held, familiar nursery rhymes and repetitive singing. Sensory supports such as weighted blankets and other sensory equipment have also been helpful.
Megan currently wears pull-ups and is not yet fully toilet trained. She requires support with personal care and daily routines. Feeding can also require additional assistance, as she prefers food to be cut into small pieces and may need support during mealtimes. Her favourite foods include pancakes and popcorn chicken.
Although Megan does not currently have a medical diagnosis, there are concerns regarding her health and development. She is awaiting assessment by Paediatric Services, an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) assessment and ongoing involvement from Speech and Language Therapy. Professionals are working closely together to better understand her needs and identify the most appropriate support. Foster carers will play an important role within this wider professional network.
Megan has an older brother who is currently living separately. Maintaining family relationships is important and she has supervised family time twice each week, spending an hour with each parent. These arrangements are supported by Trust staff and will continue as part of her care plan.
Megan would benefit from carers who can provide a calm, structured and nurturing environment, while helping her build trust and feel safe. She needs adults who can celebrate small achievements, recognise her attempts to communicate and remain alongside her during the more challenging moments.
With stability, patience and loving care, Megan has already shown that she can become more settled and regulated. She has many strengths to build upon and deserves a family who can help her experience security, belonging and the opportunity to thrive.
The right home can help Megan to:
- Experience stability, security, and a sense of belonging
- Develop her communication skills, both verbal and non-verbal
- Build trusting and meaningful relationships
- Grow in confidence and emotional security
- Access and benefit from assessment, intervention, and support from medical and health professionals
This journey may take time, but it can be deeply rewarding. Megan needs more than a placement; she needs a family who will stay alongside her, seek to understand her experiences, and continue to believe in her.
Megan’s foster carer(s) will receive financial support in addition to fostering allowances, ongoing social work support, and access to training and development opportunities to support them in meeting Megan’s needs.
Virtual information event
We are hosting two special regional virtual information events later in September profiling children who urgently need safe and loving foster homes across Northern Ireland. Megan will be profiled at Event 1. See details below:
| Date: | Tuesday 22 September 2026 |
| Time: | 7.30pm – 9pm |
| Join via MS Teams: | Registration required |
At this event, you can hear from those who know Megan personally and learn more about her individual personality, interests and needs.
To register for this event, please provide your contact details (including postcode) and reference Megan:
Call 0800 0720 137
Email: hello@adoptionandfostercare.hscni.net
Alternatively you may wish to complete an online enquiry form
*name changed and stock image used to protect child’s identity