Motion

Motion TitleIncreasing the Number of Foster Carers

Motion TextThat this Assembly commends the vital contribution of foster carers throughout Northern Ireland; believes that the provision of a safe, loving and nurturing home can transform the lives of children and young people in care, helping them to reach their full potential; is deeply alarmed that whilst the number of children and young people in care in Northern Ireland is at its highest level since 1995, there are fewer people willing to foster; expresses regret at the finding of a poll commissioned by Barnardo’s Northern Ireland indicating that just 2 per cent of respondents in Northern Ireland would consider fostering a child in the next five years; stresses the need to address the many misconceptions about fostering; reiterates the fact that fostering can be a hugely beneficial experience for the entire family, including birth children; stresses the importance of providing greater financial support for foster/kinship foster carers in order to cover the costs of caring for children and young people; and calls on the Minister of Health to launch a new, ambitious and fully resourced recruitment programme.

Motion CategoryPrivate Members' Motion

Date Tabled to Business Office19/03/2024

Date Selected By Committee09/04/2024

Date of Plenary Debate23/04/2024