TUSLA, the Child and Family Agency, has launched a foster care recruitment campaign to meet the growing demand as a result of the ongoing humanitarian crisis and the impact of Covid-19.
Ireland is a world leader in foster care and across Ireland 3,991 foster carers currently open their homes to 5,248 children.
In 2021, 219 new foster carers joined Tusla and 592 children entered foster care for the first time.
But this figure falls far short of the current need for foster care placements.
Speaking about the new campaign, Tusla’s National Lead for Fostering Patricia Finlay said, “Every year hundreds of children and young people come into care which means the need for new foster families continues to increase.
“This year more than ever, due to the current humanitarian crisis and the impact of Covid-19 on our communities, Tusla urgently requires more carers.
“There are many types of foster care such as short-term, long-term, emergency placements, respite fostering and other supports for young people who need them. This means there is a choice of ways to foster, so you’ll be able to find something that suits your skills, life stage and family dynamic best.”
To find out more about becoming a foster carer, see fostering.ie, call freephone 1800 226 771, email tusla.fostering@tusla.ie or join one of two online information sessions on September 21 and 22.
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