Health Minister 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 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.
