Foster care is the backbone of the alternative care system in Ireland. Many LGBT+ families have been enriched through fostering and there is an urgent appeal for foster carers in the Dublin area.

As we find ourselves in a new decade, many are considering the next step in life and fostering could be the next step for you. If you have ever considered fostering, there is an information night being held for prospective foster carers in the Elbow Room, 32 North Brunswick St, Stoneybatter on Thursday, March 5 at 9:45 am and Thursday, March 12 at 7 pm.

Could you foster Sam?

TUSLA are currently seeking a foster carer(s) for Sam*. Sam has a lovely smile and likes to laugh. Sam likes to interact with people, he is curious by nature, and in turn, likes to tell people lots of things. One of his favourite sayings is “can I tell you something?”.

Sam has lots of teddies that he sleeps with so the bed is very crowded, but he has names for them all and likes them with him.

Lego is a big pastime for Sam, and he has many sets that he has built quite easily. He loves to be read to and has lots of books.

Sam is a bright child and has a great capacity to learn. He is very good at maths and sometimes he can rush ahead to give the answer rather than going through the steps.

For more information, please contact Tusla’s national freephone fostering number 1800 226 771 or email [email protected].

Foster Care Supports

Tusla is the state body working with vulnerable families. They work in your local area and in each community across Ireland.

It is Tusla who decides when a child may need to come into care and when they do, they try to keep children in their own community, close to family and all that is familiar. You can help them to make that possible, providing care for children in your community.

You will receive thorough training which will help you to understand what is involved in being a foster parent. You will have opportunities to meet current foster parents.

There is a weekly allowance provided to meet the needs of the child. Each child in foster care has a medical card. An allowance of €325 is provided for foster children under 12 years-old and €352 for children over 12 years. Tusla also have an Out of Hours Emergency Support Line for Foster carers.

Becoming a foster carer could be the most important thing you will ever do. It could change a child’s life but it will also change your own. TUSLA welcome enquiries from adults of all ages, genders and ethnic backgrounds.

Anyone who believes they can make a difference in the life of a child is invited to come and talk to their current foster parents and hear their amazing stories, you will also have an opportunity to question them.

You may have thought about fostering before, now is the time to make the call.

Freephone 1800 226 771 o4, email [email protected] or visit tusla.ie or fostering.ie for more information.