Urgent foster care recruitment appeal issued by Tusla

Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, has this week launched a foster care recruitment campaign, saying the current number of foster carers in Ireland is not sufficient to meet the existing need for placements.

Tusla said demand for foster care placements had heightened due to the ongoing humanitarian crisis and the impact of Covid-19 in communities across Ireland.

As of the end of March, this year, there were 3,991 foster carers in Ireland who had opened their homes to 5,248 children.

In 2021, 219 new foster carers joined Tusla and 592 children entered foster care for the first time.

The agency said the current number of foster carers "falls far short" of the current need for foster care placements.

"Every year, hundreds of children and young people come into care, which means the need for new foster families continues to increase," said Patricia Finlay, Regional Chief Officer, Dublin Mid Leinster, and National Lead for Fostering at Tusla.

"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."

Tusla said its foster carers provide "a safe, secure and stable home environment for the most vulnerable in our society."

Foster carers are a core part of ensuring children who need foster care are cared for in a loving, home environment.

Tusla added that it can take just one adult to contribute to a child's wellbeing and happiness.

More information about becoming a foster carer is available online at fostering.ie, by call freephone 1800 226 771, email: tusla.fostering@tusla.ie or join one of two online information sessions on September 21 and 22.