Northern Ireland is facing a significant shortage of foster carers as the number of children in care reaches a record high. As of the end of March, 4,287 children and young people were in care, the highest figure since the Children (Northern Ireland) Order 1995 was introduced, according to the Department of Health (DoH).
The Fostering Network, a charity supporting foster carers and children, highlighted that the number of children requiring care has been increasing, while the number of available carers has been declining. Sarah Thomas, the charity's chief executive, stated that recruitment levels are not keeping pace with the demand to ensure every child in care can be placed with a fostering family.
Hilary Armstrong, operations manager at Barnardo's, suggested that the cost of living and societal changes, such as young adult children staying at home longer, may be contributing factors to fewer people coming forward. Health Minister Robbie Butler, who has personal experience as a foster carer, is encouraging more people to consider fostering.
The DoH has developed a draft strategy for fostering recruitment and retention as part of wider children's social care services reform. Implementation is underway, despite financial challenges, with the department facing a projected deficit of between £800m-£1bn this financial year. Recent developments include uplifts in care allowance and the progression of a new regulatory framework.