Could you provide a long-term foster home for Emma* or Jake*?

22nd September 2023

We are seeking long-term foster homes in the Southern area for Emma*, 10, and Jake*, 10. They require foster carers who will offer them a stable and loving home environment where they can grow and thrive.

Find out more about Emma and Jake below. You can also attend our upcoming virtual information event specifically for Emma and Jake:

To register for this event, call 0800 0720 137, email info@fostering.hscni.net, or complete an online enquiry form.

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Could you foster Emma*, age 10?

Emma* is a caring, well-mannered ten-year-old with big blue eyes and long eyelashes. Her foster carers describe her as a ‘girly’ girl as she loves wearing dresses, playing with Barbie dolls, and having her hair styled with bows.

Emma has lived with her current foster carers for 13 months. She enjoys playing with other children and trips to the park. Emma loves exploring the outdoors, particularly the messier activities where she can make good use of her first pair of wellies!

She is also proud of her achievements in learning to ride her bike, tie her laces and, most recently, become more confident in the swimming pool. Emma has become a keen camogie and football player and thrives on the fun and friendship that comes with being involved in sport and being part of a team.

Whilst Emma enjoys the company of others to build puzzles, watch movies or play games, she is equally content in her own company and will spend considerable time playing with her dolls which gives her the opportunity to engage in the imaginative play that she missed out on when she was younger.

Living in foster care has provided Emma with many new experiences such as her first time at the beach, or having a picnic. As well as being enjoyable for Emma, these ‘firsts’ offer a real sense of reward for those who care for her as they make a marked difference to her life experiences.

Emma has just started Primary 6. She loves school and hopes to stay here until she is ready to move onto secondary education. She likes to read and is always keen to complete her homework tasks. She enjoys good health and is willing to try a variety of food although she isn’t keen on spaghetti hoops! Emma’s foster carer is supporting her to develop her independence however she continues to need encouragement in terms of deciding what to wear, and with promoting her self-care skills.

Emma needs a long-term foster home in the Southern area where she can feel part of a family. Her foster carer(s) will offer love and understanding, whilst also supporting her in maintaining contact with her birth father which is currently 2.5 hours each week. Could you foster Emma?

As Emma’s foster carer(s) you will receive:

• training to help you understand the needs of children, like Emma, who need foster care
• financial allowances
• advice and guidance from Emma’s social worker and other professionals involved in her life
• regular contact from your supervising social worker through text, telephone and home visits
• out-of-hours support from the Regional Emergency Social Work Service (includes evenings, weekends, bank holidays).

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Could you foster Jake*, age 10?

Jake* is a chatty boy with a good sense of humour and a contagious laugh. He has lots of endearing qualities and everyone speaks positively about him. Jake is looking forward to turning 11 very soon.

Jake loves playing the Nintendo and he is skilful in a number of games. He likes watching funny videos on YouTube, playing UNO and chess, and going to the cinema or bowling alley with his foster family.

Jake has recently started Primary 7 where he interacts well with his friends. They have invited him to parties and play dates, and will play football or hide-and-seek outside together. He enjoyed a residential to Shannaghmore Outdoor Learning Centre in Newcastle with his friends this year where he loved the various activities as he is always willing to try something new. Jake is looking forward to a school trip to London next year.

Jake’s favourite foods are pancakes, pizza, spaghetti bolognese and chicken nuggets. He has a sweet tooth and loves slushies and Lotus Biscoff spread.

Jake loves dogs and is very kind to them; he will comfortably sit up on the sofa beside them. Jake welcomes hugs from others and will seek the approval of and connection with adults. He has a good imagination and likes to share stories that he has written. He will talk about cars, computer games and new things that he has learned. When Jake’s excited he will talk fast and become animated with his hand movements. He also talks about his soft teddies and finds comfort in them.

When times are tough for Jake he is less likely to display his fun-loving self. Jake has experienced instability in his life and can have difficulty regulating his emotions when he can’t think, reflect or communicate what he needs.

Jake needs a long-term home with foster carer(s) who are calm and compassionate, and also keen to understand the reasons behind his behaviours. He needs someone who will stay alongside him when he needs support, remind him that it’s OK to have big feelings, and in time, teach him new ways to express himself and cope with how he is feeling. Support will be available from a team of professionals to help his foster carer(s) manage this.

Jake benefits from a gentle and caring approach. He also thrives when his routine and boundaries are consistent. Jake is quite independent around the home and will use electronic devices such as Alexa to wake him up in the morning, allowing time to get dressed and have breakfast before leaving for school.

While living in foster care Jake often thinks about his family and considers buying his younger siblings gifts with his pocket money. He loves his family very much. Jake treasures a photograph of himself alongside his siblings as his locked screen on his phone. Unfortunately they cannot be cared for together because of their individual needs. It is hoped that Jake’s new foster family can support him in keeping in touch with his family.

As Jake’s foster carer(s) you will receive:

• training to help you understand the needs of children, like Jake, who need foster care
• financial allowances
• advice and guidance from Jake’s social worker and other professionals involved in his life
• regular contact from your supervising social worker through text, telephone and home visits
• out-of-hours support from the Regional Emergency Social Work Service (includes evenings, weekends, bank holidays).

*Names changed and stock images used to protect children’s identities.