13th August 2025
Lorcan* is an intelligent, articulate and charming young man who has stolen the hearts of many. He is one of several children who frequently ask their social worker, “Where is my actual home?” and “Where will I be until I grow up?”. Of which they have no answers.
Lorcan shared his opinions with HSC NI Foster Care during an informal interview,
“There’s not enough homes. It’s not fair.”
“There’s two year olds in a different home every week.”
“We don’t know where we’re going or where we’re going to be.”
Since living in foster care in May 2025, Lorcan has had many positive experiences and thanks his foster carers for the opportunities he has been given. However, Lorcan leads the plea for more people to consider fostering and is keen to find somewhere where he can call ‘home’.
Lorcan has stayed with three families [short breaks carers] since living in foster care in May 2025. He is described as a ‘lovely wee soul’ and his carers have outlined many positive qualities.
Lorcan enjoys being active and adventurous, running, jumping, lifting and climbing. He has been to forests, playparks and snow tubing with his carers, and he has learned new skills such as bodyboarding, cricket and Parkour.
He tells us that he loves football and skateboarding but jokes that every foster family he has stayed with have lived on a hill, which isn’t easy for skating.
Lorcan is a funny, well mannered young man who enjoys making people laugh. He is naturally sociable and outgoing and will make effort to learn more about other children in the home, young and old; asking questions about their interests and what they enjoy.
Lorcan shared his wish to visit a museum and this was granted by his foster carer. He was very interested in everything in the museum and enjoyed taking pictures. He liked opening the drawers and discovering the insects, animals and rocks within. He said his favourite bit was the stuffed animals. He bought himself a shark tooth and a shark tooth necklace. Lorcan was thankful of his trip to the museum. Other trips on Lorcan’s wish list include going to the zoo and going on an aeroplane as he has never been before.
Lorcan enjoys art, anime, photography, and stop-go motion animation techniques. He has begun guitar lessons which helps him feel relaxed. He appreciates the art of different music genres and recently enjoyed hearing the Ulster Orchestra play Broadway hits in theatre. Lorcan said the music was ‘breathtaking’; his carer said he clapped so hard he was still clapping when everyone else had finished. He really enjoyed the acts and was giggling like mad.
Foster carers have had many endearing conversations with Lorcan. He can be a deep thinker and comes out with questions you would not expect from a 12 year old. Some of these conversations are in depth, intelligent and adult-like, while other conversations reflect the child that Lorcan is, and his wish to be nurtured and to feel safe.
Lorcan’s social work assessment indicates that he has grown up in an environment that was not physically or emotionally safe. Lorcan is currently receiving support to help him understand more about alcohol and drugs, what is happening within his family, and to help him understand that it is not his fault.
Due to his previous experiences, Lorcan can be ‘hypervigilant’. He may become quiet and watchful, scanning people’s reactions and searching for anything that could mean danger or pose a threat to him. Lorcan may become tentative with new people or places, and he will seek reassurance from his foster carer. Lorcan is afraid of the dark and benefits from a night light at bedtime.
While living at home Lorcan’s diet was limited to microwave meals which he described as ‘horrible’. Since living in foster care, he has enjoyed the meals that have been freshly prepared for him and served at the dinner table as a family. He appreciates the variety and flavours of new fruits that he has tasted.
Lorcan’s foster carer(s) will receive financial support, ongoing social work support, as well as training and development opportunities.
Get in touch with us to find out more about caring for Lorcan:
Call 0800 0720 137 or complete an online enquiry form
*name changed and stock image used to protect child’s identity