HSE seeks to recruit new foster carers
The HSE Children and Family Services has launched a new Fostering Awareness Campaign to raise awareness of the benefits of fostering and to assist HSE Foster Teams in recruiting new foster carers for children and young people in Ireland. The theme of the campaign is “Change a Life, Become a Foster Carer”. Foster carers are needed throughout the country in larger urban areas. The HSE is especially interested in hearing from potential foster carers for young people aged eight to 18.
Fostering is a service for children who, for a variety of reasons, cannot live with their own family. This may be for a short time, perhaps a week or two, or can be a longer term requirement. Foster carers provide a stable and caring home for children who cannot live with their own family, during what can be difficult times in their lives. Becoming a foster carer is a hugely rewarding experience. When foster carers open their heart and home they can change lives.
According to Gordon Jeyes,CEO Designate, Child and Family Agency, 'Children and Families, HSE are delighted to be here today to launch this campaign. Obviously, the first choice for children who are in care is the safe, nurturing and quality environment of in a family setting. Recently, in line with our growing population, there has been an increase in the number of children in care. Therefore, we need to increase the number of foster carer and families around the country to meet the needs of these children. There are 4,292 foster carers providing care to 5,892 children currently. Fostering is the backbone of the child care service.”
He continued: 'It doesn't matter if you are single, married or living with someone, it's about having the passion, time and energy to make a difference that counts. We want to hear from people who can help us provide the best possible home environments for young people in times of need. Foster carers deserve the support of the whole community for what they do. We continue to need more carers to join this group in order to meet the ongoing needs of children in care. If someone is interested in becoming a foster carer, they should contact the HSE Infoline on 1850 24 1850 or visit www.fostering.ie.”
The HSE has statutory responsibility for Child Welfare and Protection. HSE Fostering Teams all over the country are seeking to recruit, assess, train and support foster carers to meet the needs of children requiring out of home care. IFCA is the National Foster Care Association in Ireland who offer additional support to Foster Carers.
A range of information sessions and events, organised by HSE Fostering Teams across the country, are taking place as part of the campaign.
Information resources have been made available to create awareness of the fostering campaign. These include an updated website, posters and leaflets which are available through parish halls, health centres, GP surgeries community centers and shopping centers. When someone becomes a foster carer, a range of support services are put in place to guide them, including training, social worker assistance and financial support.
Prospective foster carers can apply by contacting their local Fostering Team through the HSE Infoline on 1850 24 1850 or visiting www.fostering.ie or www.ifca.ie.