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Join Lisa on her fostering journey

Start your fostering experience with HSC NI Foster Care


There are currently 3,359 children and young people who are reliant on foster care in Northern Ireland (March 2024). Every child deserves a stable and loving home where they can thrive.

Our aim, through our diverse community of foster carers, is to give every child a brighter future, regardless of their personal history or background. Opening your heart and home to a child or young person in need is a big decision, and a hugely rewarding one.

You’ll find lots of useful information here to help you take that first step, and we’re always just a call or email away.

 

Becoming a foster carer is a life-changing decision. While it is a hugely rewarding role, it can also be a challenging and complex commitment.

Children and young people in the foster care system may have various unmet emotional or physical needs. They may have experienced neglect or abuse. Foster carers will need to show compassion, understanding and patience to help these children feel safe and secure, and provide a loving environment in which they can thrive. Each child and their family situation is unique so respect for their experiences and sensitivities is vital.

There are many types of foster care to consider. Each offers the chance to help a child or young person during a difficult time in their life.

There is a thorough process involved in becoming a foster carer and we are here to guide you through each step.

As a foster carer, you will undertake ongoing learning and development, and engage with social workers and various parties in the lives of the child or young person, eg education or health professionals.

If you are interested in becoming a foster carer or finding out more about what it involves, please get in touch. Our team are happy to chat and answer any questions you might have.

 

The fostering process

Children waiting

Read more about children and young people currently waiting for a loving home.

Young refugees

Give hope a home. Could you provide stability and support to a young refugee?

Supported lodgings

Preparing care-experienced young people for independent living.

Get in touch

Want to know more about fostering with us? Make an online enquiry now.

Hear from our fostering community