Health and Social Care Fostering The five Health and Social Care Trusts are responsible for all looked after children in Northern Ireland. We are, therefore, in the best position to place children with foster carers. Approximately 64% of children and young people being looked after by Social Services in Northern Ireland are in foster care. Foster carers care for children or young people who are unable to live at home. This may be as a result of neglect, birth parents being ill or having relationship problems, or families who are finding it hard to cope. Fostering provides security and stability for a child or young person in such circumstances. There is a pressing need for more foster carers. There is a particular need for long term carers for children of all ages, as well as carers for boys, sibling groups, and children or young people with challenging behaviour. We always need a wide range of foster carers to meet the needs of looked after children. If you are interested in fostering and think you could make a difference to a child’s life, we would be delighted to hear from you. Applications are considered from individuals irrespective of age, marital status, working arrangements, income or sexual orientation.