Barnardo's Fostering & Adoption NI

Meet Barnardo's foster carers, Gillian and Megan, sisters in law who support each other on their fostering journey. Together, they shed light on how their families support each other and reflect on the vital role support networks play in fostering.
In this engaging conversation, we dive into the heart of blended foster families, a world where birth children, adopted kids, and foster children grow up together. Gillian and Megan share their strategies for nurturing strong bonds with their foster children and reflect on the importance of a reliable support network, particularly when it comes to understanding trauma and the ways it can present.
Join us for this inspiring discussion with two foster carers supporting their foster children within one big family.

To learn more about fostering and adoption with us, visit our Linktr.ee https://linktr.ee/barnardosfosteringni

So you’re interested in fostering?

What happens after you make first contact?

What kinds of questions will you be asked? What can you expect? What kind of information will you be given? What is the assessment process like? What happens on a home visit?

Will you be expected to know what kind of fostering you want to do from the off? (And what if you don’t yet know?)

Who and what are the ‘Panel’? And what happens when you are invited in front of them?

And how long will this all take?

For someone new to the world of fostering it can all seem a bit daunting so let's ease those worries and make the unfamiliar, familiar. Join us, as we uncover the fostering assessment process with seasoned expert, Ben Rice, the practice manager at Bernardo's Fostering and Adoption in Northern Ireland.
In this compelling conversation, Ben enlightens us on the different types of foster care: emergency, short term, long term, and foster-to-adopt. He walks us through the four-session preparation course that potential foster carers and adopters undertake, highlighting the indispensable role of foster parents in the daily lives of the children. We unravel the critical issues such as age requirements, experience with children, convictions, and the importance of a secure and nurturing home environment.
Finally, we delve into the decision-making process post-assessment, shedding light on how the fostering panel and social worker's roles contribute. From assessing an applicant's comprehension of fostering to ensuring the entire family's support, we cover it all. So, buckle up as we navigate the timescales of the assessment process, discuss how to prepare for the panel's decision, and equip you for this life-altering adventure. Let's journey together, shaping futures one foster child at a time.

Learn more about fostering and adoption with Barnardo’s:
https://www.barnardos.org.uk/get-support/fostering-and-adoption
To learn more about fostering and adoption in NI, visit our Linktr.ee:
https://linktr.ee/barnardosfosteringni
To ask a question, give us some feedback or make a topic request, email us at:
[email protected]
Foster belonging with us!

ICYMI - this is our online conversation with our therapeutic parenting trainer, Stella.
Stella brings a wealth of experience and knowledge about fostering and adoption, and she shares how therapeutic parenting can be a game-changer for children who have endured trauma. You'll learn how recognizing children's behavior as a form of communication rather than a challenge can build stronger, more healing relationships. And Stella should know she is a former foster carer turned adoptive parent herself.
Through our conversation, we delve into the principles of attachment theory and discuss the profound impact early caregiving experiences have on a child's sense of safety and trust. Stella sheds light on the unique hurdles faced by children in the care system, including the devastating effects of multiple placements and the importance of creating a predictable and supportive environment. We also explore the heartbreaking realities of developmental trauma and how therapeutic parenting can provide the stability these children need to thrive.
Finally, we tackle the complexities of adopting traumatized children, especially for single parents. Stella offers actionable advice on seeking help, building a robust support network, and the critical role of continuous learning and training. By understanding and addressing children's emotional states, therapeutic parenting not only fosters resilience but also enables parents to build lasting connections with their children. Tune in to gain invaluable insights and practical strategies for nurturing children who have experienced significant life disruptions.

Learn more about fostering and adoption with Barnardo’s:
https://www.barnardos.org.uk/get-support/fostering-and-adoption
To learn more about fostering and adoption in NI, visit our Linktr.ee:
https://linktr.ee/barnardosfosteringni
To ask a question, give us some feedback or make a topic request, email us at:
[email protected]
Foster belonging with us!

ICYMI - revisit our online event where we chat with Helen Browne, head of the Barnardo's Fostering & Adoption service, and discuss working while fostering.
We also meet Tony and Aine who fostered a baby shortly after approval and, four years later, are in the process of adopting him. Tony & Aine continue to foster and reflect on being led by the individual needs of their child.

Learn more about fostering and adoption with Barnardo’s:
https://www.barnardos.org.uk/get-support/fostering-and-adoption
To learn more about fostering and adoption in NI, visit our Linktr.ee:
https://linktr.ee/barnardosfosteringni
To ask a question, give us some feedback or make a topic request, email us at:
[email protected]
Foster belonging with us!

Ness talks with Priscilla, former BFANI Operations Manager who spearheaded our new adoption service - and Rachel who talks about her experiences as a foster carer now going through the adoption process.

We also discuss fostering and adoption in NI, our integrated fostering-via-adoption service and why permanence doesn't always lead to adoption.

This is a recording from an online event last November, please follow us on Eventbrite and Facebook to learn more.
Together, we can change lives.

Learn more about fostering and adoption with Barnardo’s:
https://www.barnardos.org.uk/get-support/fostering-and-adoption
To learn more about fostering and adoption in NI, visit our Linktr.ee:
https://linktr.ee/barnardosfosteringni
To ask a question, give us some feedback or make a topic request, email us at:
[email protected]
Foster belonging with us!