Northern Ireland faces shortage of foster carers as instability risks grow

Hundreds of additional foster carers are urgently needed across Northern Ireland to prevent vulnerable children from experiencing further instability and disruption, according to new figures released during Foster Care Fortnight.

New data from The Fostering Network shows that 300 more foster carers are needed to ensure children and young people can access safe, stable and loving homes, as the charity warned that falling carer numbers and rising demand are placing the system under significant strain.

The organisation said the number of foster carers across Northern Ireland has been falling overall since 2021, while the number of children entering care has risen sharply, increasing by 46% over the past decade. The charity warned that without immediate action, more children could face unplanned placement moves, separation from siblings and placements far from their communities.

The warning comes amid ongoing concerns about the pressures facing foster carers, including financial strain, inadequate support from fostering services and a perceived lack of respect from wider professional networks around the child.

Mark Boyd, who has been fostering for five years, said: “Foster carers do this because they care deeply about children and young people, not for financial gain. But rising living costs, and ongoing pressure on social services are placing huge strain on fostering families and the systems meant to support them.

“Many carers feel that, unless you are already financially secure, fostering is becoming increasingly difficult to sustain, particularly given the complex challenges carers face every day supporting children who have experienced trauma.

“Despite these pressures, the support I’ve received has often been very positive, and foster carers remain committed to providing stable, loving homes for children who need them most.”

The Fostering Network said stability is critical for children who have experienced trauma, but warned that shortages of foster carers are making this increasingly difficult to achieve.

As part of its Foster Care Fortnight campaign, the charity is calling on the Northern Ireland Assembly to urgently introduce a new fostering strategy focused equally on retaining existing carers and recruiting new ones. It is also urging ministers to increase foster carer allowances in line with inflation for 2026/27 after payments were frozen in 2024, alongside improving wraparound support services.

Jade Irwin, Interim Director of The Fostering Network in Northern Ireland, said: “Foster Care Fortnight is an opportunity to say thank you to foster carers for the incredible work they do, while also calling on the Northern Ireland Government for much needed change in the system.

“Foster care can make all the difference in the world for a baby, child or young person. When foster carers are well resourced and valued, the care they offer is life changing.

“The climate we are in is concerning - there are more children entering care, and not enough foster carers and the services that offer invaluable support are being reduced or removed. We need to see urgent prioritisation of foster carers and care experienced children and young people. What we have currently is not good enough - they deserve better."

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt acknowledged the pressures facing the sector and praised foster carers for their contribution to children’s lives.

He said: “Fostering is not abstract or theoretical, it happens every day, in real homes, with real families, supporting real children. Foster carers step in at moments of significant need and provide safety, stability and care when it matters most.

“I want to thank foster carers across Northern Ireland for the commitment, resilience and compassion they bring to this role, often in very challenging circumstances. The impact of what you do for children and young people is profound.”

Kerrylee Weatherall, Interim Director of Children’s Services representing HSC NI Foster Care, said this year’s Foster Care Fortnight campaign was an opportunity to highlight the everyday realities of fostering and encourage more people to consider becoming carers.

She said: "We value each and every one of our foster carers and kinship foster carers who continue to go above and beyond to provide safety, stability and love that all our children and young people deserve. This year’s theme, 'This is Fostering' invites us all to shine a light on the everyday experiences of fostering- to recognise the real, lived moments that define what fostering truly is. Because fostering is not just about big milestones or headlines. It is about the quiet, consistent acts of care, and being there every single day."