8th April 2025

Finley* has a beautiful smile which is complemented by his sparkling hazel eyes. He has dark brown hair which he wears short at the sides and wavy on top.

Finley is currently developing his own sense of style. He loves jewellery including rings, earrings and necklaces, and is drawn towards flared jeans and motif t-shirts.

Finley’s carers describe him as a funny, light-hearted young person. He gets on well with other children who tend to be drawn to his loving personality. Finley is caring and shows kindness towards his peers, giving them presents on special occasions.

Finley loves gaming on his tablet and watching scary movies. He is outgoing and keen to try new activities. He enjoys wall-climbing, ice-skating, trampolining, and swimming.

Finley does not typically ask for food however when prompted he will enjoy his meals. He can express his likes and dislikes and is keen to try new foods. He particularly enjoys breakfast waffles with chocolate spread. His favourite dinner is chicken curry and he loves a trip to Nandos.

Finley is in Primary 7. Going to school can be difficult for him at times, however he is making attempts to improve his attendance. Finley is an intelligent boy who can manage the level of work provided to him. He responds well to praise for his efforts and accomplishments.

Finley would like to attend a school which is local to his new foster care family. He does not wish to travel far to school as he is keen to integrate into the local community.

Because of his life experiences, Finley needs to be nurtured and cared for within a highly supportive fostering household. This will require at least one foster carer to be at home full-time. Finley’s foster carer/s will receive a fee (in addition to foster carer allowances) to reflect the level of commitment needed.

It is hoped that Finley’s new foster carer/s will be flexible, naturally curious and empathic of Finlay while he learns to trust. Finley can become sensitive at times and may struggle to understand the behaviours of others around him. Finley’s new foster carer/s will be encouraged to learn more about his past experiences, and how best to support his emotional and social development. His foster carer/s will work with a team of supporting professionals and assist with transport to appointments, school and hobbies.

Since coming into care Finley has made great progress, and has formed a good attachment with his carers who he regularly seeks reassurance from. He has begun to show, seek, and accept physical affection from them and will openly talk about his wishes and feelings. In their own words, “Finley is a delight to care for”.

As Finley’s foster carer/s you will receive:

• an enhanced training package to help you understand the needs of children, like Finley
• a financial fee in addition to foster carer allowances
• advice and guidance from professionals involved in his Finley’s life including consultation and therapeutic support from a dedicated senior practitioner psychologist and monthly network meetings
• 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, and bank holidays)
• a personalised support package to meet Finley’s needs, including outreach and short breaks provision
• annual leave provision.

To hear more about caring for Finley, please call us on 0800 0720 137 or email hello@adoptionandfostercare.hscni.net

Alternatively you can fill out our online enquiry form.

*Name changed and stock image used to protect child’s identity.