Health Trust Urgently Seeks Foster Home for Three-Year-Old Boy

A health trust in Northern Ireland has launched an urgent appeal to find a long-term foster home for a three-year-old boy named Ben*. He needs a stable environment in the South Eastern Trust area, where he can receive the support necessary for his development. The trust describes Ben as “sweet, affectionate and ready to thrive with the right support.”

Ben, who has strawberry blonde hair and blue eyes, has faced significant challenges in his early life, including severe neglect and multiple placement changes. These experiences have understandably unsettled him, resulting in some behavioral needs. Currently, he is awaiting an assessment for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Although Ben is non-verbal, he communicates through sounds, expressing his needs in his unique way.

Ben’s Personality and Interests

According to a spokesperson from the South Eastern Trust, Ben is a very energetic child who enjoys various activities. His favorites include water play, visiting parks and beaches, toddler gymnastics, and sensory play. He thrives on sensory experiences, particularly with water, and enjoys ball games, swimming, and messy play. Providing close supervision is essential, as he does not yet fully understand safety.

Ben also enjoys watching television shows like Fireman Sam and Thomas the Tank Engine. He finds joy in car rides and prefers to go out in his pram during the afternoons when he is tired. Currently, Ben has a settled bedtime routine and sleeps well at night, finding comfort in a favorite blanket from home.

The trust has indicated that Ben is set to start nursery soon, attending for a few hours each day during the week. This new routine will be another step towards providing him with the structured environment he needs.

Ideal Foster Care Situation

The South Eastern Trust believes that Ben would thrive best in a household with two foster carers where he is the only child or with older children who can understand his needs. Despite his rocky start, he is described as a sweet and affectionate boy who would greatly benefit from a stable and nurturing environment. The trust emphasizes that with love, patience, and consistency, Ben can flourish.

To support potential foster carers, the South Eastern Trust has committed to providing wraparound support. This assistance will help ensure that Ben’s specific needs are met while fostering a positive and enriching environment for him.

Individuals interested in learning more about fostering Ben can contact the South Eastern Trust at 0800 0720 137 or complete an online inquiry form. This appeal highlights the urgent need for caring individuals who can provide a loving home for a child in need.

As Ben’s situation demonstrates, the right foster care can significantly impact a child’s development and well-being, making it essential to find a suitable home for him as soon as possible.