16th April 2026

From 20-26 April, HSC NI Foster Care will be shining the spotlight on kinship foster carers and the vital role they play in supporting children and young people across Northern Ireland.

Throughout the week, there will be a social media campaign across HSC NI Foster Care platforms where heart-warming stories will be shared and kinship foster carers celebrated, as well as a series of fun family events organised across all five trust areas.

Kinship foster carers are people who step in to care for children they are related to, or with whom they already have a meaningful relationship, when parents are unable to provide care. This can include grandparents, aunts, uncles, siblings and close family friends.

Kinship care allows children to remain within their family and community networks, offering familiarity and continuity at what can be a difficult and uncertain time in their lives. By remaining connected to their family, culture and community, children in kinship care are better supported in maintaining their sense of identity, belonging and emotional wellbeing.

Briege Quinn, Principal Social Worker at HSC NI Foster Care says:

“Kinship Care Appreciation Week allows us to recognise the commitment and dedication of our kinship fostering community, and the essential role they play within the wider care system across Northern Ireland. We hope this celebration goes some way towards showing our appreciation to those who step up and provide stability in a time of need.”