FOSTER care is more important now than ever before, according to the head of the Irish Foster Care Association.
Róisín Clarke, CEO of the Irish Foster Care Association, made the comments as Tusla launched its fourth annual National Fostering Week last week to promote fostering awareness and to provide more information to people considering fostering.
Figures from Tusla show that 472 children in the Mid West are currently being looked after by foster carers in the region.
Clare Murphy, Interim National Director of Services and Integration, Tusla, said:“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.”
Currently there are not enough foster placements available for children who require them, according to Tusla.
Tusla is asking people from all walks of life across Limerick and Ireland to consider if becoming a foster carer is something they could do.
