Irish Foster Care Association

Irish Foster Care Association The Irish Foster Care Association is the national organisation that supports foster families and the wider fostering community.

We advance and promote best practice in foster care through support, learning and advocacy. IFCA’s Vision:
A society where the importance of fostering is recognised, valued and supported. Where every child can grow up in a safe and caring family. IFCA Values:
● The rights of the child
● The role of the family in a child’s life
● Respect, compassion and kindness
● Effective partnerships and ope

n communication
● Innovation and research. IFCA Believes:
● That foster care is complex and foster carers require a range of supports and
expert advice to enable them to provide the best possible care for the child in their care
● In the value of foster care as an effective alternative for children who, for various
reasons, are unable to live with their own families. What We Do:
As the national organisation for foster care, IFCA works to influence policy, legislation
and opinion through its advocacy work. IFCA contributes to consultations on key issues with policy submissions reflecting the views and experiences of members. IFCA also liaises with Tusla – Child and Family Agency, the Department of Children and Youth Affairs and other stakeholders regularly, to communicate issues and experiences of members and propose positive solutions to inform best practice in foster care in Ireland. IFCA is a valuable source of information for all in foster care. We communicate with
members through IFCA’s newsletter, Ezine, website and social media. Members are kept up to date on our work, developments in foster care and learning opportunities
available to them. IFCA provides booklets and information sessions on topics relevant to foster care and
organises information sessions for all involved in foster care at a local level. IFCA holds an annual awareness campaign ‘Fostering Fortnight’ to celebrate foster care in Ireland. A variety of events, talks and information sessions are held over two weeks in February or March each year. The Benefits of Joining IFCA:
Membership is broad based and includes foster and relative carers, social workers, child care workers, academics and others with an interest in or who are involved in foster care. The first year of membership is free for all new family and individual members. IFCA has different levels of support and membership. Individual Membership is €55 per year or Family Membership is €65 per year. This entitles you to:
● Access to our Legal Expenses Insurance Cover
● AGM voting rights
● Information and guidance on foster care
● Learning Opportunities
● Access to IFCA’s National Helpline and Advocacy Service
● Reduced rates for Annual Seminars and Conferences
● Access to Hubs and Branches
● Membership Discounts
● Dedicated Membership Manager
● Two Fostering Journals published by IFCA via email or post on request
● Regular IFCA updates via our members only Ezine. To Become a member please contact the office on Tel: 01 459 94 74 or visit www.ifca.ie

IFCA Learning Event – Supporting the Educational Progress of Children in CareWe are pleased to welcome Dr. Rosie Savage,...
05/06/2026

IFCA Learning Event – Supporting the Educational Progress of Children in Care

We are pleased to welcome Dr. Rosie Savage, Assistant Professor in the School of Inclusive and Special Education at DCU, who will share valuable insights into the educational experiences of children in care and the important role Special Education Resource Teachers play in supporting their learning and development.

📅 Wednesday, 17th June
🕙 10:00am – 11:30am
💻 Online via Zoom

To register, contact: 📧 [email protected]

Education can be a powerful pathway to opportunity, confidence and belonging. By working together to understand and support the unique needs of children in care, we can help them reach their full potential.

The Irish Foster Care Association was delighted to attend the launch of Child and Family Agency - Tusla Fostering Awaren...
04/06/2026

The Irish Foster Care Association was delighted to attend the launch of Child and Family Agency - Tusla Fostering Awareness Month and to hear about the fantastic programme of activities planned for the weeks ahead. Keep an eye out for events and activities happening in your local area throughout the month.

Most importantly, this month is about recognising the extraordinary commitment of foster carers across Ireland. Every day, foster carers open their hearts and homes to children and young people, providing stability, care, encouragement and a sense of belonging when it is needed most. Their dedication changes lives, and we thank them for the invaluable difference they make to children, families and communities throughout the country. If you are interested in finding out more visit www.fostering.ie

Happy Pride Month from the Irish Foster Care Association This Pride Month, we celebrate the diversity, strength, and res...
04/06/2026

Happy Pride Month from the Irish Foster Care Association

This Pride Month, we celebrate the diversity, strength, and resilience of LGBTQ+ children, young people, foster carers, and families across Ireland.

Every child deserves to feel safe, valued, respected, and loved for who they are. Foster care should be a place where young people can be their authentic selves and know they belong.

This June, and every month, we stand with the LGBTQ+ community and reaffirm our commitment to fostering belonging, understanding, and opportunity for all.

June is Fostering Awareness Month, and Child and Family Agency - Tusla has lots of activities planned, check out www.fos...
03/06/2026

June is Fostering Awareness Month, and Child and Family Agency - Tusla has lots of activities planned, check out www.fostering.ie for more information. We can't wait to see the National Forest of Care Project coming together, and well done to all our colleagues in Child and Family Agency - Tusla for putting together a jam packed month dedicated to foster care

Every foster carer started where you are now.

Today marks the start of National Fostering Awareness Month, and we want to .

Children across Ireland need safe, caring, and loving homes. Because every child is unique, those homes look very different. Your unique background might be exactly what a child needs to flourish.

This June, let’s challenge the misconceptions about who can foster. You may already have the qualities needed to change a life forever.

What’s happening this month:
Throughout June, look out for our public awareness events and information campaigns across Ireland. We are especially excited for the National Forest of Care project. Foster families, together with staff, nationwide are creating a canvas with a pre-printed tree and will leave their unique thumbprint. Together, all 30 canvases, will form a forest, representing the care, love and support wrapped around our children.

If you’ve ever wondered what fostering looks like, now is the perfect time to start with a conversation today.

Visit: www.fostering.ie
Email: [email protected]
Call: 1800 226 771

📢 Join Our Free Online Learning Event: Resolving Issues in Foster CareSupporting children and families in foster care ca...
03/06/2026

📢 Join Our Free Online Learning Event: Resolving Issues in Foster Care

Supporting children and families in foster care can bring unique challenges. This interactive learning event will explore practical approaches to resolving issues, strengthening communication, and promoting positive outcomes for everyone involved.

🗓 Monday 8th June
⏰ 10:00am – 12:00pm
💻 Online via Zoom

Whether you're a foster carer, social care professional, or someone involved in supporting children in care, this session offers valuable insights and opportunities for discussion.

📧 To register, contact: [email protected]

Best wishes to all students beginning their Leaving Certificate examinations today.This is an important milestone, marki...
03/06/2026

Best wishes to all students beginning their Leaving Certificate examinations today.
This is an important milestone, marking the culmination of years of learning, effort and perseverance. While the exams ahead are significant, they do not define who you are or what your future holds. Your talents, strengths and potential extend far beyond any set of results.
We are particularly mindful of the many young people in foster care and care-experienced young people who may be sitting these exams while navigating additional challenges and uncertainties. We are proud of every young person who has reached this point and wish them every success in the weeks ahead.
To all students, parents, foster carers, families, teachers and supporters – thank you for the encouragement, guidance and care you provide.
Take each day as it comes, do your best, and remember to be kind to yourselves along the way.

02/06/2026

Don't miss out on the Irish Foster Care Association's National Conference in Wildlands Galway on Saturday 11th July and the dedicated children & young people's programme, its going to be lots of fun! get your tickets now! www.ifca.ie

🎙️ New Episode: Stories from Foster CareIn this episode, Niamh Barrett speaks with Clodagh Downes about her experience o...
02/06/2026

🎙️ New Episode: Stories from Foster Care

In this episode, Niamh Barrett speaks with Clodagh Downes about her experience of growing up in relative foster care and the journey that followed.

Clodagh shares her path through education in social care, her work in disability services, and her current role with Tusla in Feedback and Complaints. Drawing on her own lived experience, she offers powerful insights into how children in care adapt to different home environments and how feelings of low self-worth can continue into adulthood.

With honesty and resilience, Clodagh reflects on the internal and external challenges she has overcome and the experiences that have shaped her career and commitment to supporting others.

This is a thoughtful and inspiring conversation about identity, resilience, and the lasting impact of care experiences.

🎧 Listen now and hear Clodagh’s story, link in comments

Kindly sponsored by Department of Children, Disability and Equality

A day for the whole fostering community.Join us for the Irish Foster Care National Conference on 11th July at Wildlands,...
01/06/2026

A day for the whole fostering community.

Join us for the Irish Foster Care National Conference on 11th July at Wildlands, Galway

This special event brings together foster carers, families, children, professionals, and supporters from across Ireland for a day of connection, learning, and community. With engaging discussions, expert speakers, family-friendly activities, and opportunities to share experiences, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Whether you’re part of the fostering community or interested in learning more, we’d love to welcome you.

🎟️ Tickets are available now — secure yours today!

Foster carers deserve space to care for themselves too. Join the Irish Foster Care Association’s monthly online Caring S...
31/05/2026

Foster carers deserve space to care for themselves too. Join the Irish Foster Care Association’s monthly online Caring Space — a supportive Zoom session focused on self-care, resilience, and connection with others who understand the fostering journey.

📅 Thursday 4th June
⏰ 10am–12noon
📧 [email protected] to book your place

Address

Synergy Centre, TU Dublin Campus
Tallaght
D24FKT9

Telephone

+35314599474

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Irish Foster Care Association posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category