1st September 2026
Josh* is a two-year-old boy with an infectious smile who enjoys being outdoors, playing with bubbles, toy cars and interactive games such as peek-a-boo. He likes to play on swings in the park and responds warmly to playful interactions, often giggling during games and tickles. Josh also enjoys cause-and-effect toys and is particularly drawn to activities that provide an immediate response to his actions, such as spinning objects or pop-up toys.
Josh has experienced significant change in his young life and is currently receiving support to help him reach his developmental potential. He benefits from close, nurturing relationships and seeks comfort from trusted caregivers, through cuddles, and having his blanket.
Since entering foster care, Josh has made positive progress. He is becoming more confident exploring his environment and interacting with other children. He enjoys one-to-one attention and has shown improvements in accepting comfort and reassurance from adults. Josh loves being outside running around.
Josh presents with developmental delay and is supported by speech and language therapy, Occupational therapy and Community Paediatrics to better understand his communication and developmental needs. While he is not yet using words, he communicates through actions, facial expressions or by taking your hand to show what he wants or where he would like to go. When overwhelmed, Josh can become anxious or distressed and benefits from patient, caring adults who provide reassurance and help him feel safe and secure. Josh attends daycare, where he continues to develop his social, communication and learning skills.
Josh benefits from a consistent bedtime routine, including a bottle of milk, his comfort blanket, and the reassurance of a trusted adult nearby. He generally sleeps from 7.00pm to 6.00am and can usually be resettled with reassurance if he wakes during the night. He also enjoys a midday nap which helps him feel rested. Josh enjoys travelling in the car or pram and settles well with the comfort of a soft blanket and familiar adults.
Josh’s diet is currently limited, and he prefers familiar foods such as toast, pancakes, spaghetti hoops, yoghurts and rice krispie square bars. With encouragement from his caregivers, he is gradually trying new foods and continues to develop his eating skills and routines.
Josh would benefit from a nurturing and understanding home environment with caregiver(s) who can offer consistent care, encouragement and opportunities for play, learning and development, enabling him to continue building confidence and reach his full potential.
Virtual information event
We are hosting two special regional virtual information events later in September profiling children who urgently need safe and loving foster homes across Northern Ireland. Josh will be profiled at Event 2. See details below:
| Date: | Thursday 24 September 2026 |
| Time: | 7.30pm – 9pm |
| Join via MS Teams: | Registration required |
At this event, you can hear from those who know Josh personally and learn more about his individual personality, interests and needs.
To register for this event, please provide your contact details (including postcode) and reference Josh:
Call 0800 0720 137
Email: hello@adoptionandfostercare.hscni.net
Alternatively you may wish to complete an online enquiry form
*Name changed and stock image used to protect child’s identity