18th September 2026

Ryan* is an 8-year-old boy who is currently experiencing a period of significant change and uncertainty following the recent breakdown of a long-term foster placement where he had lived for approximately three years.

Ryan is a petite young boy with brown curly hair, a lively personality and an abundance of energy. He enjoys being active, involved and spending time with adults who are patient, nurturing and willing to engage with him.

Despite the challenges he has experienced, Ryan is a bright, engaging and affectionate child who enjoys positive attention and forming relationships with trusted adults. He can be chatty, fun-loving and has a good sense of humour. He particularly benefits from calm, consistent adults who provide clear boundaries alongside warmth and reassurance.

Ryan currently attends a mainstream primary school five days a week although is currently on a reduced timetable and attends until approximately 12.30pm each day, travelling by taxi to and from school. School attendance and maintaining routine are important protective factors for him during a time of considerable upheaval in his life.

Family relationships are extremely important to Ryan. He has regular supervised contact with his mother and siblings each Friday, supported by his grandparents. Maintaining these relationships provides him with an important sense of connection, identity and belonging.

Ryan enjoys a wide range of activities including gaming, fishing, outdoor play, beach trips and spending time with trusted adults. One of his greatest interests is hurling. He previously attended hurling every Saturday morning whilst living in his foster home and greatly enjoyed being part of the club and team environment. Due to recent changes in his circumstances he is no longer attending and this loss has been particularly upsetting for him, as the activity provided routine, enjoyment, friendships and a sense of belonging.

Ryan has experienced significant loss, disruption and instability throughout his young life. More recently he has endured the loss of a long-term foster family, multiple moves and considerable uncertainty regarding his future. As a result, he can become emotionally overwhelmed and distressed. When struggling emotionally, his behaviour can be impacted and he may present with emotional outbursts. However, these behaviours are generally understood to be expressions of distress and anxiety rather than deliberate defiance. Ryan usually responds well to adults who remain calm, provide reassurance and help him feel safe and understood.

At heart, Ryan is a young boy who wants to feel secure, valued and part of a family. He thrives when adults offer consistency, predictability, encouragement and opportunities to experience success. He would benefit from supportive adults who can spend time with him, engage him in positive activities, provide structure to his day and help him maintain important relationships and community connections during this difficult period in his life.

Support is being sought to assist Ryan and his family during a period of significant transition, with the aim of providing stability, positive experiences, practical assistance and emotional support while longer-term plans are explored.

Get in touch with us to find out more about Ryan. Call 0800 0720 137 or complete an online enquiry form.

 

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