Fostering kids can be ‘life changing opportunity’

Last year there were nearly 6,000 kids in foster care in Ireland.

Children need foster care for a variety of reasons but it’s one of the most rewarding things that any of us can do.

The initial lockdown in 2020 saw people take up many challenges including banana bread baking, 5km runs and everything in between. For Mairead and her family, the journey they went on was a little different.

Mairead had a long standing interest in becoming a foster carer.

“It was something I always thought about but the pace of life and circumstances never gave me the time to seriously think about applying. When lockdown happened last March, it gave us all time to think about life and for me it was the perfect time to take a chance and make a phone call to Barry at Fostering First Ireland (FFI), thus my fostering journey commenced.”

When asked about how her own children felt about the possibility of their mum becoming a foster carer, Mairead said: “My children were brilliant and they were on board from the word go”.

FFI had to make changes in respect of every aspect of their service due to Covid-19. All prospective foster carers would traditionally have a face to face meeting with Fostering Advisor Barry Ward which had to be moved to a video format. The assessment process is very thorough to ensure the applicant is right for fostering and fostering is right for them.

She said: “I found the process challenging at times, it makes you question things about yourself, thinking about your childhood, and all the ups and downs I went through in life. At the end of it though, I took a look back and thought I have come so far and anytime I fell, I always got back up and kept going.”

Once a prospective foster carer is finished the assessment process, their application to foster goes before the Tusla Foster Care Committee for approval. When she was approved, Mairead felt initial disbelief.

“I felt shocked and it took a few days for it to sink in. I never doubted myself but I doubted other people might see my potential and what I had to offer as a foster parent.

“After the shock, I was so delighted and humbled that I had been given this life changing opportunity to do some good in a child’s life.”

Shortly after her approval Mairead and her family had their first children placed with them.

“It happened very quickly but I guess that was the best way there was no time to think or start doubting myself. We all have to start somewhere and it was in that moment for me. So far it’s going really good, there’s ups and downs but there great kids and it so lovely and rewarding to see smiles on their faces.”

When asked what advice she would give to anyone considering becoming a foster carer, Mairead was very clear.

“Just go for it, it’s a long process and you will have plenty of time to decide if this is something for you or not. FFI are brilliant there is so much support and help for everyone along the way. You get to meet great people and its lovely to hear and see other people’s journeys and success.”