Western area has highest number of children living in care, statistics show

HSC NI Foster Care is urgently looking for people within the Western area who want to make a difference to the lives of children and young people to consider becoming foster carers.

The Western area currently has the highest number of children living in care (712) that it has ever seen, and there are simply not enough foster carers as numbers continue to grow.

More foster carers are needed so that children can be placed with families where they can be safe, nurtured and loved.

The fostering team is currently recruiting for all types of foster carers as part of their ‘Life’s a Journey Could you be a part of mine?’ campaign.

As part of the campaign, an information event is being held at Enniskillen Castle on Wednesday, April

“We did a lot of sibling respite for carers who would be long-term carers, to give them a break.”

When asked why she fosters, Mrs. Cassidy said: “We enjoy the satisfaction of helping local children stay in their local community; the children we have now are able to attend school locally still.

“That’s why there is such a need in Fermanagh and Omagh for foster carers.”

She reflected on the figures that show the Western Trust region of Northern Ireland has the highest number of children in care, and emphasised the importance of children in care staying in their local area.

“If there are not enough carers in 10, running from 7.30pm to 9pm.

Another event will be held at Omagh Fire Station on Thursday, April 11 from 7.30pm to 9pm.

A Western Trust spokesperson said: “There are many ways that you can make a difference to a child’s life through fostering. There are lots of ways you can help, depending on your lifestyle and circumstances.

“Whether you can offer a child a loving home for the short or long term, or provide short breaks both for planned and emergency situations, you can make a valuable impact on a child’s life.

“Foster carers tell us that it is both rewarding and fulfilling to see a child grow and develop, with the knowledge that the care and love they have provided, in whatever capacity, has made a positive contribution in a child’s journey through life.”

the local area, it means children can be sent to Strabane or Derry, and they are not able to keep in touch with their local community.

“[Being fostered locally] means they are still close to the family, they can have contact with their birth parents, and their siblings.

“They are still within the local community, and attend their own schools,” explained Mrs. Cassidy.

She encouraged people in the area to consider fostering. “Get involved, there are so many open events on, go speak to the experts, the [Western] Trust have a huge campaign on at the moment.

“Go and enquire, look into it, don’t rule yourself out. Go out and learn about the process. You are offered

fantastic training.

“We get so much enjoyment out of it; you can still work full-time, the Trust support you all way.

“You are matched with a child who will best suit your home life. There are so many children in our local community from all walks of life and all backgrounds that are going into care.

“You are not too old, and you are not too young to foster. Even if you have a young family, I think it is the perfect time to do so.”

Reflecting on what makes fostering special for the family, she said: “It brings so much opportunity and so much more fun. Our house is far better craic now with four children in it.”