Fostering public information event encourages people to come forward

The Southern Health and Social Care Trust recently held an Intensive Support Fostering
Intensive Support Scheme Foster Carers pictured with Trust staff.Intensive Support Scheme Foster Carers pictured with Trust staff.
Intensive Support Scheme Foster Carers pictured with Trust staff.

Recruitment and Information Evening at the Seagoe Hotel, Portadown.

With a rise in the number of children coming into care in Northern Ireland, the Trust is urging more caring people to come forward who are interested in becoming foster carers.

Denise and Darryl Gorman from Armagh with Trust Social Worker Lisa Patton.Denise and Darryl Gorman from Armagh with Trust Social Worker Lisa Patton.
Denise and Darryl Gorman from Armagh with Trust Social Worker Lisa Patton.
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There are different types of fostering dependent on the needs of the young person and the

Trust would be interested in speaking to any individuals or couples who believe they could

offer a placement to a child or young person.

Attendees had the opportunity to speak with carers, meet social workers and learn more about the Intensive Support Scheme.

Lauren and Ceri Black from Portadown pictured with Childcare Social Worker Nicola.Lauren and Ceri Black from Portadown pictured with Childcare Social Worker Nicola.
Lauren and Ceri Black from Portadown pictured with Childcare Social Worker Nicola.

Melanie Coffey Co-ordinator for the Intensive Support Scheme explained: “The Scheme provides highly supported foster care placements to children and young people (up to 18 years old) who have had difficult life experiences and require them to be nurtured and cared for in an extra special way.

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“Some of these young people will be out of school, have little experience of routine in their

lives and may feel rejected and unhappy, often finding it hard to trust adults and presenting with challenging behaviour. With this in mind, we are committed to providing a therapeutic parenting experience to all children and young people as we aim to recruit empathic, flexible, open-minded and resilient individuals.”

Colm McCafferty, Southern Trust, said: “Promotions of this nature are intended to encourage members of the public to find out more about fostering and to consider making themselves available to care for children in a foster carer capacity.

ISS Foster Carer Ciara Heaney with her daughter Sinead and Senior Psychologist Fionnuala.ISS Foster Carer Ciara Heaney with her daughter Sinead and Senior Psychologist Fionnuala.
ISS Foster Carer Ciara Heaney with her daughter Sinead and Senior Psychologist Fionnuala.

“Time and again we see how, with support and encouragement, a child’s confidence can be increased, helping them to achieve in education, employment and community participation and work towards reaching their full potential.”

Anyone interested in finding out more should email fostering&[email protected]