Co Kildare families encouraged to foster children

By Kim O'Leary There is an urgent need for foster carers willing to provide a home to children and teenagers in Co Kildare. An appeal for more families to become involved in fostering children has been launched by the Child and Family Agency Tusla which is currently campaigning to find families who are willing to provide safe, loving homes for children from birth to eighteen years of age. There are currently about 6,000 children in foster care in Ireland. Tusla assesses, recruits and trains foster families according to the needs of the area. Tusla also places children with foster families who have been recruited and trained by non-statutory agencies, it is responsible for each child in care but support to the foster family may be provided by the non-statutory agency. Each foster child has his or her own social worker who monitors the growth and development of the child and ensures that the best interests of the child are always kept in mind. The appeal for families follows the publication of the findings of a joint consultation with social workers and foster carers by Tusla and the IFCA, and the report highlighted the experiences and concerns of foster carers and social workers. Catherine Bond, IFCA CEO, said: “We are delighted that this joint consultation between social workers and foster carers has taken place and that our members had an opportunity to share their insights and work collaboratively on suggestions to improve foster care for everyone. Their input will ensure that the voices of foster carers and the best interests of children in care will inform the development of Tusla’s Alternative Care Strategy.” She said: “Their participation and engagement in this process is a clear expression of their commitment to improving fostering relationships and experiences for children and families.” For more information telephone 076 6955550 or visit www.fostering.ie