Barnardos introduce a 'boarded out' support service

Barnardos has introduced a new service, the Boarded Out Practical Support Service for Adults, designed for people who were boarded out as children before the implementation of the 1991 Child Care Act.

The term "boarded out" refers to children who were fostered or raised by families other than their own in Ireland, using various descriptors such as 'fostered out,' 'farmed out,' 'at nurse,' or 'nursed out'.

Although the exact number of individuals who were boarded out is not known, data from the Adoption Authority of Ireland (AAI) and the Final Report of the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes in 2021 suggests that between 20,000 and 30,000 children experienced boarding out between 1920 and 1970.

This practice involved placing babies and older children with families, where some were tasked with inappropriate farm and domestic work. Some children were even kept out of school for such tasks. The practice continued until the enactment of the 1991 Child Care Act.

Natalie Johnson, Project Coordinator for the Boarded Out Practical Support Service said: “From speaking with people who have been boarded out as children, it’s clear how this early experience can have a lasting impact throughout their lives.

“For some people the trauma of early separation from their mothers, and the subsequent experience of abuse,missed educational opportunities, forced labour, stigma and issues around identity associated with being boarded out can have lifelong consequences. Our service can offer support to those who need it, because childhood lasts a lifetime."

Barnardos in Cork is offering practical supports to people who were boarded out. These supports include assistance in accessing health, community, and social services, help with feelings of isolation and loneliness, aid in filling out forms and grant applications, advocacy, information, and referrals to Barnardos therapeutic supports.

Funded by Tusla Dormant Accounts, the Boarded Out Practical Support Service is free and confidential.

People who were boarded out and would like to avail of practical support can reach out to Barnardos through email at birthhistory@barnardos.ie or by contacting the Cork centre at Blackmore House, Meade Street, Cork on 021-2038005.