19th May 2026
The Southern Health and Social Care Trust is highlighting the life-changing impact of foster care during Foster Care Fortnight by sharing the story of a local family who have welcomed three brothers into their home and kept them together.
Leanne and Drew, HSC NI foster carers living in the Southern Trust area, have been caring for the siblings for almost four years. What began as a placement for three boys who presented as anxious and withdrawn has grown into a settled, loving family life. The children are now thriving at school, in sport and within their local community.
“When the boys first arrived, they were very worried and unsure,” Leanne said.
“We reassured them that they were safe and well cared for. As soon as they spotted the football nets in the garden, you could see a shift. That was the moment they began to relax and feel at home.”
The brothers now share a bedroom, attend a local school and are fully settled into everyday family routines. Their foster carers later made the decision to change their registration from short-term to long-term foster care, ensuring the boys could remain together.
“When we told them we could keep them all, they were absolutely delighted,” Leanne added.
“Keeping siblings together gives them a sense of belonging and safety. They have each other and that matters every single day.”
The wider family has embraced fostering wholeheartedly. Leanne and Drew’s adult children are closely involved, helping with sports, hobbies, childcare and everyday life. This has made fostering a shared family commitment.
According to the boys’ Supervising Social Worker, the impact of this stability has been significant.
“When the boys were first placed, they were struggling to achieve their academic potential. With consistent support, they are now thriving, achieving well at school and growing in confidence. Their carers have provided stability while also encouraging their interests and helping ensure their lives are as normal and nurturing as possible.”
She added that the family’s commitment, teamwork and sensitivity to the boys’ needs make them “excellent carers” and strong advocates for children in foster care.
Melanie Coffey, Head of Family Placement Service at the Southern Trust, said the story highlights why sibling placements are so important.
“Sibling relationships can be a vital source of emotional security and identity for children in care. This family has shown the powerful difference it makes to keep brothers together,” she said.
“It is a fantastic example of the commitment and care our foster carers provide every day across the Southern Trust and HSC NI.”
Reflecting on fostering siblings, Leanne said:
“Imagine losing your mum, your dad and then your brothers too. That thought stays with us. All children deserve to grow up with their siblings and a loving, supportive family, with hopes and dreams for the future.”
During Foster Care Fortnight, the Southern Trust is encouraging anyone who has ever considered fostering, whether as an individual, a couple or a family, to get in touch.
“Foster carers are ordinary people from all walks of life,” Melanie added, “and what they offer is something extraordinary.”
Colm McCafferty, Deputy Chief Executive, Director of Children and Young People’s Services and Executive Director of Social Work, said:
“Keeping siblings together supports our vision to help children have the best start in life and feel safe, secure and valued. Stories like this show the positive, lifelong impact foster carers have on children and young people across the Southern Trust.”
For more information about fostering, contact HSC NI Foster Care.