“It’s the most rewarding thing that you’ll ever do!” – Short Breaks foster carer encourages others
With the need for foster carers continuing to grow, one local foster carer who provides short breaks for children with disabilities is encouraging others to open their homes – and their hearts – to children who need support.
Sue Ellen McAuley from Ballymoney, became interested in providing short breaks when she started working in a special school and saw the positive benefits for not only the children and their families, but also the foster carers themselves.
Having provided short breaks for more than 10 years, Sue Ellen is encouraging others to go for it, saying: “I would just say to anybody who’s thinking about it or considering it, to give it a go. It doesn’t matter whether you’re 18 or 48.
“If you have the time and the space in your life and the love in your heart and a little bit of patience, just give it a go. You will not regret it. It is the most rewarding thing that you’ll ever do.”
Leon, who is almost 16-years-old was first introduced to Sue Ellen when he was five, his mum, Grainne Whyte has described what the short breaks have meant. “Honestly, from the day and hour that Leon was introduced to Sue Ellen, she has just always been there for him.
“We’ve been able to text her, call her, she checks in to see how he is. I check in with her when Leon’s there. It’s been invaluable.”
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.
Northern Trust Director of Children’s Services and Executive Director of Social Work, Maura Dargan, said: “Short break carers make a real difference in the lives of children with disabilities and provide parents and carers with essential opportunities to rest and recharge.
“Many people are surprised to learn that they may already have the qualities needed to be a short break carer. Patience, kindness and a willingness to learn are usually the most important factors – you don’t need prior experience.
“Short break care offers a different way to help. It can often fit around family life and work commitments, while still have a lasting impact on a child or young person.”
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
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.hscni.net/foster-care/short-breaks-CWD/
Come along to an online information event taking place on Tuesday 16 June from 1:00 – 1:30pm. Joining details are available online: https://adoptionandfostercare.hscni.net/foster-care/short-breaks-CWD
4th June 2026
