Noah* is a ten-year-old boy who is currently living in short-term care in the east of the country.

Noah is one of four siblings who are also in care. Noah enjoys playing soccer and being outdoors – in the garden, playgrounds and visiting farms. He loves any sort of game – board games and physical games like Tag and Duck Duck Goose. He likes music, cinema, computer games, animals and has a keen interest in sabre tooth tigers. Noah enjoys his food and is not a fussy eater; he loves going to the shop for a treat when he is allowed.

Noah has a diagnosis of Dystonia, which is managed well with three-times-daily medication, and has a queried diagnosis of an intellectual learning disability.

Noah faces some challenges. He has a history of absconding, particularly when moved between placements, and needs a consistent foster care placement that will give provide him with the reassurance and security he needs to allow him to settle. In the past, Noah has displayed threatening behaviour and is considered a flight risk. However, this is mostly due to a lack of adult supervision in his young life to date and inconsistencies in his care due to a lack of stable placements. He takes direction well once boundaries are explained to him from the very beginning. Noah likes routine, knowing what the plan is and settles well once he feels reassured.

Noah needs a patient and understanding foster carer who can assist with his needs and help support and guide him through this challenging time.

While a foster carer in the east of the country would be ideal for Noah, this is a nationwide appeal.

For more information, please contact Tusla's national freephone fostering number 1800 226 771 or email tusla.fostering@tusla.ie. More details on Tusla fostering services can be found on fostering.ie.