Tusla seeking new foster carers across Cork

Tusla - Child and Family Agency this week launched Tusla National Fostering Week 2022 (21-27 February), its fostering awareness and recruitment campaign.

Now in its third year, the campaign focuses on the need to recruit carers for older children in communities across Ireland.

Across Ireland 3,984 foster carers currently open their homes to 5,265 children. In Cork, there are currently 683 children in foster care. Foster carers play a critical role in the child protection system and ultimately a key role in the wellbeing of young people.

Kate Duggan, National Director of Services and Integration, Tusla said: “Tusla foster carers provide a safe, secure and stable home environment for the most vulnerable in our society. Right now, there are children and young people in your community who may need a safe place to live.” She added: “A local placement will ensure they can maintain connections with their friends, sports, school and community.

“If you have been considering fostering, we would urge you to have another think about the positive difference you would make in the life of children and young people in your community.”

Minister for Children, Disability, Equality and Integration, Roderic O'Gorman said: “We all share an ambition for children in care to thrive and to reach their potential. For most children in care, this is best achieved through foster care and the committed care these children receive from foster carers, in a family setting.

“Ireland can be proud of the fact that over 90 per cent of all children in care, reside in foster care, a figure that compares favourably with our European neighbours.”

Tusla care leaver Shannon Joyce said: “I first went into relative foster care with my younger brother and sister when I was seven years old. I stayed with my family until summer 2021.

“My whole experience of foster care has been a rollercoaster to say the least.”

Shannon added: “I've met so many people and heard so many stories throughout the years. I wouldn't change a thing! I'm so happy that I can take all the experiences I have had and all the lessons I have learned and use them to be the best role model and mentor I can be for the young people I teach. Fostering can be an amazingly positive experience for the carers, and children.”

It can take just one adult to contribute to a child’s wellbeing and happiness.

Fostering is a fulfilling and positive role, that is open to people from all walks of life.

To find out more about becoming a foster carer, see fostering.ie, call freephone 1800-226771 or email tusla.fostering@tusla.ie.