If you live in Northern Ireland and are interested in fostering to adopt, we’d love to speak to you.
All children deserve a stable, loving home. In Northern Ireland we try to do that for children in care through fostering, or adoption via fostering. We find families for children with a range of needs, whether that be health concerns, developmental uncertainty or early life trauma. We’re also looking for people interested in welcoming siblings, as for many children in care their brother or sister has been the only constant presence in their lives. It would be wonderful if you could give them the chance to grow up together.
What is fostering to adopt?
In Northern Ireland we find children permanent homes through fostering to adopt. This is when a child is fostered by a person or a couple who are approved to both foster and to adopt. It means that children waiting to be adopted can live with a potential forever family earlier than a conventional adoption. Find out more about fostering to adopt.
Want to talk to someone about fostering to adopt?
If you’re interested in fostering to adopt, you can find out more information from our friendly team. Getting in touch is a great way to learn about the process and ask any questions you may have. Don’t worry, you don’t have to sign up or be ready to commit yet.
Other ways to stay in touch
If you’re interested in giving a child a loving home, our dedicated community of foster and adoptive parents and staff will be by your side every step of the way. We run regular events both for people interested in fostering, and fostering to adopt, and for people who are already on the journey, because the support we offer will continue long after you welcome a child into your home.
You can find out more about our upcoming events on Eventbrite. You can also listen to our podcast, Barnardo's Fostering & Adoption NI, if you search wherever you listen to podcasts.
Connect with us on social media
Contact our fostering to adopt team in Northern Ireland
Address
Barnardo's Fostering Northern Ireland, 230b Belmont Road, Belfast BT4 2AW
Phone
What is fostering?
Foster care provides a safe, secure and stable environment for children and young people who cannot live with their birth family. When life gets tough or unsafe at home, some children and teenagers need a caring adult to look after them until things can get better. You could be the person helping change their life for the better.
How fostering to adopt gave baby Charlie a secure, loving home
Zoe and Cheryl were originally interested in adoption but when they heard about fostering to adopt they knew it was the right route for them. When Charlie came to live with them, he was ten months old, and they were his fifth home. He’s now four years old and they are his proud adoptive mums.
"There’s a family feel to fostering with Barnardo’s”
Gillian and Megan are sisters-in-law from Portaferry and Newtownabbey in Northern Ireland. With 13 children and several years of fostering between them, they’ve a wealth of experience to share. Find out what it’s like to foster when you have birth children and the support we offer.
Set up a call about fostering to adopt
If you are interested in fostering to adopt, you can set up a no-strings-attached call with our friendly team.
Fill in the form below, and we’ll be in touch within two working days to answer any questions, chat about the support we offer, and help you take the next step if you're ready. For your information our number may appear as an unlisted or unknown number.
If you'd rather chat to someone sooner, you can give us a call on 0800 0277 280 between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.