Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has launched the campaign by HSC NI Foster Care for its first regional drive for Short Breaks foster carers for children and young people with disabilities across Northern Ireland.
There are currently 109 children and young people, from birth to age 17, with a range of physical and intellectual disabilities, autism and complex health needs, waiting to be matched with a Short Breaks foster carer.
A recent £13.1m Ministerial investment in Children’s Disability services has allowed all HSC Trusts for the first time to expand existing, or develop new, Short Breaks fostering services.
Launching the campaign Health Minister Mike Nesbitt said:“This is the first time short breaks for Children with Disabilities has been promoted on a regional basis and included in regional HSC branding and I am delighted that we have been able to achieve this through the additional investment I approved for Children with Disabilities services.
“While provision remains comparatively small, short breaks fostering plays a critical role within the wider continuum of fostering and family support. The launch of the regional short breaks fostering campaign is an important step in helping to raise awareness and attract new carers.”
Eimear Hanna, Head of Service for HSC NI Foster Care said: “We are delighted to launch the regional Short Breaks service for children with disabilities across all five HSC Trust areas in Northern Ireland.”
“Short Breaks foster carers play a vital role in supporting families by welcoming children with disabilities into their homes, providing parents and carers with essential opportunities to rest and recharge”.
“Regular contact with a Short Breaks foster carer can be an incredibly enjoyable and positive experience for a child – offering them opportunities to have fun, build their confidence and make new friends while offering families a crucial source of support to help them continue to care for their child.”
Who can be a Short Breaks carer for Children with Disabilities?
- Married/ co-habiting couples or single people
- People from all religious, cultural, social and economic backgrounds
- People with or without existing children
- Anyone aged over 21; there is no upper age limit provided you are healthy and have the energy to meet the needs of the child/ young person placed
- Heterosexual or LGBTQI+
- You do not need to own your own home but must have a spare bedroom where the child can stay
- You do not need any specific qualifications or experience
- Carers are asked to commit to providing a minimum of one or two overnights per month; but often choose to provide more regular support to children and families on a fortnightly or weekly basis
- Short Breaks Foster Care is a flexible and accessible way to get involved and can be accommodated alongside existing work and family commitment.
- This campaign aims to encourage more individuals to come forward and consider making a valuable contribution to families within their local communities.
If you would like to find out more about becoming a Short Breaks foster carer call HSC NI Foster Care on 0800 0720 137 or log onto https://adoptionandfostercare.
