1st May 2025
We are seeking a long-term foster home in the Belfast/ Greater Belfast area for Charlie*.
Charlie is a beautiful 7 year-old boy with curly brown hair and big brown eyes. He has a slim build and is tall for his age. Charlie has a lovely big smile and is a funny, happy and loving little boy. Charlie is a very affectionate child and often seeks out his foster carer for hugs. He is deeply loved by his carer of nearly four years and has made a lot of progress in this time. Charlie’s foster carer is fully committed to helping him find a long-term foster home.
Charlie enjoys reading and his favourite book is Diary of a Wimpy Kid. He is a proficient reader way beyond his years. Some of his other interests include space, playing Mario, his mini trampoline, cars, and Lego.
Charlie loves the outdoors. He could spend all day playing in the park, running, and riding on his scooter. Charlie loves exploring and is always on the go. He can sometimes fall or hurt himself so close supervision is important when caring for Charlie.
Charlie has a Statement of Special Educational Needs. He has a diagnosis of autism and ADHD for which he receives dedicated support. Charlie attends a specialist unit within a mainstream school where he is settled and doing well. There are therapeutic supports in place and he responds positively to the structure and smaller group environment. He finishes at 11.30am each day and the EA provides transport for Charlie to get to school in the morning. His foster carer then picks him up at home time.
Charlie is an intelligent and inquisitive little boy and if he is interested in something he will watch YouTube videos to learn more facts about that particular topic.
Charlie speaks in short sentences, and he has a good understanding of what others say to him. He can be expressive with his hands which he uses to gesture when he is talking or if he is excited. Visual aids have been beneficial to Charlie to support him around the house when he has had difficulty communicating verbally.
Charlie loves going to McDonald’s for a happy meal and an ice cream. He has been trying different fruit which he usually enjoys. Charlie eats small portions although he eats a good range of foods.
Charlie has experienced challenges and instability in his young life, and he can struggle to make sense of it. He responds well when he receives one-to-one attention from adults and they take an interest in his hobbies and interests.
Charlie needs a foster carer(s) who will give him plenty of love and affection, and offer a safe and nurturing environment where he can continue to flourish as he grows up.
Charlie benefits from having set routines and structure throughout the day, such as getting ready in the morning and at bedtime. Charlie has a consistent bedtime routine, with a bath at 7.30pm followed by his personal reading time before having a bedtime story with his foster carer. Charlie can experience some sleep disruption so would require patience and understanding in this area.
As Charlie’s foster carer(s) you will receive:
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- an annual fee provided monthly, alongside the additional fostering allowance to cover day-to-day expenses
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- a dedicated social worker who will be available to you
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- out-of-hours social work services
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- comprehensive training to enable you to understand Charlie’s particular needs
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- further support from other appropriate professionals to enable you to understand Charlie’s needs at different stages in his development.
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If you would like to hear more about Charlie or some of the other children who are currently waiting for a loving foster home in the Belfast area call 0800 0720 137, email us or complete our online enquiry
*Name changed to protect child’s identity.