The number of children and young people in care in Northern Ireland has reached a record high of 4,287 as of the end of March, according to the Department of Health. This is the highest figure since the Children (Northern Ireland) Order 1995 was introduced.

Health Minister Robbie Butler, who along with his wife provided foster care for about 17 years, is encouraging more people to come forward. He said his family offered short-term respite and emergency care, and he wants to raise awareness to support foster families.

The Fostering Network, a charity that supports foster carers and children, said the number of children needing care is rising while the number of carers is falling. Chief executive Sarah Thomas said recruitment is not keeping up with the need to place every looked-after child with a fostering family.

Beverly Craig, a foster carer with Barnardo's, has fostered 14 children over nearly 24 years. She described fostering as challenging but rewarding and said people should think carefully before committing, but those with room in their homes and the capacity to love other people's children will find it amazing.

Colin Jamieson, also a foster carer with Barnardo's, said many people are capable of fostering but may be deterred by negative press. He stressed that vulnerable children need support and urged those who can help to come forward.

Hilary Armstrong, operations manager at Barnardo's, pointed to the cost of living and societal changes as barriers. She noted that young adults are staying at home longer or returning to save for house deposits, reducing available space for fostering.

The Department of Health acknowledged significant pressures in providing placements despite an increase in trust-recruited foster carers. A draft strategy for fostering recruitment and retention has been developed, with implementation underway amid financial challenges. The department said it is committed to making fostering attractive and valued, citing recent uplifts in care allowance and progress on a new regulatory framework.

Anyone interested in becoming a foster carer can contact their local health trust, HSC NI Adoption and Foster Care, or an independent fostering agency.