1st September 2026
Emma* is an energetic and lively 5-year-old girl who is full of fun and has an endearing personality. She charms with her beautiful smile and hearty laugh.
Emma enjoys outdoor play especially going to go to the park, playing on her scooter, and jumping in puddles in her wellie boots – she loves being messy! She absolutely loves to play alongside others, especially games like Hide and Seek and Tag. Emma is exceptionally curious and inquisitive. Imaginative play will hold her focus for quite some time – playing kitchen or shopkeeper. Emma has a tablet that she enjoys playing with too, but she loves the company of both children and adults and enjoys hugs, cuddles and being tickled.
Emma seeks connection with adults and she thrives on one-to-one attention, therefore any form of play that is guided by and includes adults is a big hit with her. When Emma feels connected to an adult, she is a delightful little girl who will listen, take instruction and present as openly affectionate. Like most children of her age, she can present as stubborn when she feels that she is not getting her own way but she can be playfully redirected or refocused during these times.
Emma is in good physical health and she is continuing to make progress in terms of her development which is recognised by all adults in Emma’s life. She is described as a brilliant eater who loves most foods especially ice cream, crackers with cheese, and pasta dinners. She is adventurous in her food choices – even trying oysters! There isn’t a food that Emma doesn’t like!
Emma’s sleep patterns have settled significantly due to being in a structured and consistent routine. Emma’s current bedtime routine begins at 7.30pm and she is now sleeping through the night. Emma wakes early, sometimes at around 5am, but the positive change in her sleep pattern reflects how safe Emma feels.
Emma has just started Primary 1. She has a Statement of Educational Needs in place and she progressed well in Nursery, benefitting from the one-to-one support provided. She also attends a creche after school which she loves. She has one-to-one support in creche as she needs adult support and connection. Emma can struggle with peer interaction if adult support is not in place.
Sadly, Emma has experienced a lot of instability in her young life with multiple changes in caregivers. Understandably, she now finds it hard to separate from her foster carers but with time she has shown the ability to make overcome this.
Emma has contact with her birth mother and her three older sisters. Emma loves the time with her birth family but she can sometimes be unsettled afterwards. Emma responds well to sensory regulation strategies, such as deep pressure – she loves a firm hug and loves to sleep with a weighted blanket.
Emma needs a nurturing family to help her thrive and to continue to make the positive progress we have seen in terms of her sense of safety and emotional wellbeing. She needs carers who are patient, empathetic and open-minded. She would benefit from being the only child or the youngest child in her home, with a significant age gap to ensure she gets the time and attention she 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. Emma will be profiled at Event 2. See details below:
| Date: | Thursday 24 September 2026 |
| Time: | 7.30pm – 9pm |
| Join via MS Teams: | Registration required |
At this event, you can hear from those who know Emma 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 Emma:
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 her identity