With so many children currently in need of foster care, Tusla are looking for LGBT+ people who want to become foster parents. With that in mind, Outhouse on Capel St will host an information evening on October 21st for prospective foster parents.

Current foster parents will be on hand to speak about their own experiences fostering and will be able to answer any questions which arise to help people decide if they would like to open their hearts and their homes to children who need care.

This week is National Fostering week and its aim is to tackle the idea that only certain kinds of people can apply to be a foster carer. There are currently 4,254 foster parents in Ireland caring for 5,521 foster children, so the goal is to reach people who may not think they would not be accepted as a foster parent, including those in the LGBT+ community, and help dispel them of some of those notions.

Tusla, who are the state body working with vulnerable families, place foster children with families across Ireland. They will provide support and training for potential foster carers in an effort to see if you are a suitable placement.

As Tusla describe themselves: “You don’t have to be perfect to be a perfect foster carer. What you must have is a strong desire to provide a child with a nurturing environment in which they can develop. In return, you will gain the satisfaction from helping a child to reach their potential in life, and doing so, creating a long-lasting legacy of change.”

Tusla welcome enquiries from adults of all ages, genders and ethnic backgrounds and anyone who feels they can make a difference in the life of a child.

If it is something you have been considering, please call 086 1833760 or visit their site here. The information evening for potential LGBT+ foster parents will take place at 7pm on October 21 in Outhouse, at 105 Capel St, Dublin 1.