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
