Respite foster carers needed for two young boys in the Ballymoney area

Fostering Care Associates (FCA), one of the largest fostering groups in the UK, needs carers on a short-term basis who have the capacity to care for and show commitment to the boys.

Best suited to a home that is equipped with two spare bedrooms, the boys who are aged seven and eight would need someone who could commit to at least 28 nights of overnight respite care over the course of a year. Individuals would need to be available to support the brother’s primary foster carers with some daytime childcare as and when required. Respite carers would also preferably need a driving licence to do school drop-offs and pick-ups and to transport the boys to local activities.

As of March 2019, reports found there were around 2,592 children living with roughly 2,100 foster families in Northern Ireland (NI). Last year saw the FCA NI receive over 314 referrals of children and young people who needed a foster family with a safe, secure and loving home.

Amy White, Senior Social Worker for FCA commented: “The boys have been through so much together in their young lives. They are now settled in a long-term foster family. Their foster parents are so committed and are delighted with the boys and their beautiful individual personalities.

“The boys are funny, clever, kind and caring. They love the outdoors and have lots of energ - never a dull moment! Their early life experiences have had an impact on how they manage the day to day life now and therefore they need close care and attention from their foster parents and close supervision when playing together. This can be a tiring job at times and their foster parents need regular breaks in order to keep going. We really hope that we can find a foster family to commit to these boys and provide regular breaks and support to their foster parents.”

For many children in care, the majority have had a difficult, disruptive and traumatising start to life and could benefit immensely from having a stable and calm environment. Being a respite carer allows children in care and full-time foster carers parents a break and rest, which can be extremely beneficial to the wellbeing of foster families.

If you or someone in the Ballymoney area who would be interested in becoming a respite carer for the boys, please do get in touch via 02890 769310 or head to our website for more information https://www.thefca.co.uk/regions/northern-ireland/