FOSTERING

Did you grow up knowing you were loved? That should be the experience of all children. But sadly, it isn’t. Some children grow up in isolation. Some experience neglect. For others, their reality is one of abuse. Action for Children believe every single child has the right to a safe and happy childhood. That is why fostering is so important.

WHAT IS FOSTERING? Quite simply, fostering changes lives. Fostering is looking after a child or a young person who can’t live with their family. They may need a home until they become adults, or only for a little while. However, in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, the number of children in need continues to soar, but the number of foster carers can’t keep up with the increasing demand.

WHO CAN FOSTER? To foster you’ll need a spare bedroom. You’ll also need to be over 21 (there isn’t an upper age limit). Whilst many people have the space and time in their lives – and hearts – to foster, they are put off by myths which make them believe their lifestyle or circumstances are a barrier to them being accepted.

Avery Bowser, Fostering Services Manager in Northern Ireland, is passionate about busting the myths around who can foster. He said: “As we know, families come in all different shapes and sizes. There is no onesize-fits-all foster carer. We need carers from

all walks of life, of all ages and from different backgrounds.”

Action for Children recruit ordinary people who do something extraordinary – become a foster carer. You can be single, in a same-sex couple, part of a civil partnership, married or living with a partner. It also doesn’t matter whether you own or rent your home. You don’t need to be a parent to foster, either. The most important thing is your ability to meet a child’s needs. and how a particular child could fit into your circumstances of life.”

WHY FOSTERING CHANGES LIVES? Foster families can often be a child’s first

positive experience of family life.

Avery says: “It makes a huge difference in children’s lives to be able to live in a family home and have that experience of family.”

By giving a vulnerable child a safe and loving home, foster families provide them with the foundations they need to thrive. As well as providing love, care, and stability, foster carers advocate on behalf of the children and young people they look after. This includes supporting their educational needs, nurturing their health and social wellbeing, and helping them reach their own developmental milestones.

WHY FOSTER WITH ACTION FOR CHILDREN? Action for Children is dedicated to finding the best foster carers to look after the most vulnerable children in our society. Whilst the fostering application process is a commitment, it allows time to get to know carers inside and out because young people deserve the best care possible.

When joining the Action for Children family, foster parents will be supported every step of the way. As well as being assigned a dedicated fostering social worker, they will get to know the whole service team, from administrative staff to support staff. They also have access to a 24/7 helpline and comprehensive training to ensure they are You can be equipped with all the skills they need. David single, in a same- says: “It’s our role to provide you with all the sex couple, training and support necessary for your growth part of a civil and development.” partnership, The team at Action for Children get to married or living know the children and their carers as with a partner. individuals; this allows the service to provide wrap around care for the child and the whole foster family. The organisation also runs regular support groups for carers and organise family outings. These outings allow foster carers a space and opportunity to interact with others who know what they are going through. Fostering with Action for Children is very flexible. Whether you have the ability to welcome a child into your home on a full-time basis or for planned short break care, your time and dedication will be instrumental in helping make a difference to that child’s life.

Every child and young person is unique. Foster carers are, too. That is why Action for Children places such an emphasis on finding the best possible match between a child and a family. Doing this builds strong relationships that last. Fostering Team Manager, David Montgomery, says: “The matching process is looking at you as a family If you would like to become part of something special, enquire about joining the Action for Children family today. For more information contact the friendly fostering team on 028 9046 0500 or email fostercareni@

actionforchildren.org.uk