Foster carers provide support, guidance, and encouragement to children and young people who cannot live with their birth families. They help children and young people of all ages and backgrounds, giving them the care and support they need to thrive.
By becoming a foster carer, you can make a lasting difference to a child’s life and help them reach their full potential.
You do not need any special qualifications to become a foster carer. Whether you are working, retired, single, married, in a relationship, or have children of your own, there may be a fostering role that suits your lifestyle and circumstances.
Different ways to foster
There are several ways you can support children and young people through fostering:
- Short-term fostering
- Long-term fostering
- Emergency fostering
- Short breaks
- Short breaks for children with disabilities
- Supported lodgings for young people
Support for foster carers
HSC NI Adoption and Foster Care is responsible for recruiting, assessing, training, and supporting foster carers across Northern Ireland.
This service brings together teams from all five health and social care trusts, providing expert guidance and ongoing support throughout your fostering journey.
Interested in becoming a foster carer?
If you are interested in becoming a foster carer or would like more information, please get in touch with HSC NI Adoption and Foster Care:
- Telephone: 0800 0720 137
- Email: hello@adoptionandfostercare.hscni.net
- Web: HSC NI Adoption and Foster Care
Or follow the service on social media:
- HSC NI Adoption and Foster Care on Facebook
- HSC NI Adoption and Foster Care on X
- HSC NI Adoption and Foster Care on Instagram