August 13, 2026
Over the past six years, Adrian and Nicci Stewart have welcomed more than 22 children into their home.
As foster carers with the Northern Health and Social Care Trust, they’ve opened their door to all ages and stages of childhood from newborn babies, toddlers and teenagers.
Some have stayed for a single night, while others have remained with the family for years. The couple currently provide long-term care for two sisters aged eight and 13.
Now, Adrian has shared his experience to highlight the urgent need for more foster carers and the difference a safe, loving home can make to a child’s life.
At a recent Northern Trust event, Adrian spoke candidly about both the rewards and challenges of fostering, which he described as ‘a job we do with all our hearts, 24 hours a day seven days a week, 52 weeks a year’.
Among the many children Adrian and Nicci have cared for was a baby girl who arrived at just three days old and remained with the family for almost three years before returning home to live with her mother.
“That was probably one of the hardest goodbyes we had to say,” Adrian said. “Letting a child go is hard, we never forget them and we often think of the great memories we have had with them.”
Another particularly memorable placement saw Adrian and Nicci provide a home for both a vulnerable mother and her baby. Working closely with Trust staff, their support came at a vital time and ensured the pair could stay together in a safe and nurturing home environment.
Adrian described the experience as a learning curve for everyone, but through honesty, determination and good communication, the mother and baby were able to move into their own accommodation after four months. The placement left a lasting impression on all involved, with the mother remaining in contact with Adrian and Nicci, and continuing to regard them as part of her extended family.
Despite the challenges, Adrian says fostering has given him the opportunity to make a lasting difference to children’s lives.
“There are many reasons children come into our care but one thing we know for sure is that it is never the child’s fault,” he said.
“These children will remember how we spoke to them and how we made them feel valued and loved as part of our family.”
Adrian believes foster carers play a vital role alongside social workers and other professionals supporting children in care.
“We see ourselves as part of the team,” he said. “There should be no ‘us and them’, not this team and that team, just one well-oiled, well-trained, motivated, loving and caring team doing our best for the children.”
Denise Mullan, Senior Practitioner with the Trust’s Fostering North Team, said the need for foster carers continues to grow.
“There are currently 3,514 children in care in Northern Ireland and this number is continuing to increase,” she said.
“We are experiencing increasing pressures in relation to providing foster homes for children who require care outside of their families whether for a couple of nights, weeks, months or years.”
Denise, who has worked alongside Adrian and Nicci since they became foster carers, said she sees first-hand the difference foster families can make.
“There are so many children living within our own communities who need the loving experience of a family,” she said.
Encouraging others to find out more about fostering, Denise added: “Consider coming forward and caring for a child one weekend a month, it will make a real difference in a child’s life.”
Children of all ages are waiting on a foster family right across the Northern Trust, and wherever you live in the area, we need you to help us change a young person’s life for the better.
Find out more about becoming a foster carer by ringing 0800 0720 137 or visit https://www.adoptionandfostercare.hscni.net