Northern Ireland Foster Care Champions

1940. Diane McCourt
1941. Patrick McCourt

Diane and Patrick became approved foster carers in 1978, and have since opened up their home to children of all ages, and for a range of care periods, from several weeks and months care while children are in the process of moving to permanent homes, through to years of fostering and adoption. With the need for foster carers an ongoing matter of urgency in Northern Ireland, Diane and Patrick have remained devoted to showcasing the importance of foster care and its benefits to the community.

Diane and Patrick said:

“We have been fostering for over 40 years and in that time we have cared for over 250 children. It is really lovely to receive this award for what we have done however we just see it as part of our life. We have been lucky to have had these children in our life and I suppose that’s why we still foster today. It is worth noting that there is a real need for foster parents in Northern Ireland and perhaps this award might make people see how we have loved doing this and might make someone else consider doing it in their life.”