Tusla launches National Fostering Week 2023 in Leitrim 

The Lord Mayor of Dublin Daithí de Róiste has officially launched the Tusla National Fostering Week at Dublin’s Mansion House on Monday, October 16, with a series of events that will take place in Leitrim, Sligo, West Cavan and nationwide. 

The Campaign aims to promote fostering awareness, provide more information to people considering fostering, and highlight experiences from Tusla Child and Family Agency with foster carers. 

Ireland is among the world leaders in foster care, and across Ireland, 3,866 foster carers currently open their homes to 5,067* children, including 109 in Sligo, Leitrim and West Cavan. 

In 2022, 228 new foster carers joined Tusla, and 556 children entered foster care for the first time. 

Mr. Roderic O’Gorman TD, Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, said, “The work of foster carers is of great importance and value not only to the state but to over 5,000 children who are cared for by foster carers. Approximately 90% of children in care are placed with foster carers, which compares extremely favourably with other countries.

“Foster carers play a vital role in the care of our most vulnerable children. The placement of a child in foster care is the preferred option for children who cannot live with their family of origin, offering them a safe, secure, and stable home environment.”

Clare Murphy, National Director of Services and Integration (Interim), Tusla, stated, “Tusla’s National Fostering Week provides an opportunity to find out more about how to start your fostering journey and provide a safe family environment for a child or young person in need of a caring home. 

“Each child is different, and each foster carer is different. Tusla is looking for foster carers from all walks of life to care for vulnerable children and young people in a time of increasing demand to help keep children in care connected with their local communities and friends.

“Tusla’s National Fostering Week also allows us to celebrate the work and dedication of all of our foster carers and extend our sincere thanks for their commitment and exceptional care, helping children and young people in care to feel safe, to grow and to flourish. Join Tusla foster carers around the country who currently open their homes to vulnerable children and help make a real difference in a child’s life.”

Tusla says there are not enough foster placements for children who require them. However, the demand for fostering services has increased due to the housing crisis, global movement, poverty, domestic and gender-based violence, drugs, criminality and exploitation.

Tusla welcomes applicants from Ireland’s new communities and applicants from different cultural and religious backgrounds and invites applicants from the LGBTQ+ community to consider fostering.

*Note figures are correct for the end Q2 2023, and figures do not include unaccompanied minors / separated children seeking international protection.