Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, has today (Monday) launched Tusla National Fostering Week 2022 and is seeking families from across the county.

As part of its fostering awareness and recruitment campaign which takes place from February 21 to 27, the campaign focuses on the need to recruit carers for older children in communities across Ireland.

A local placement will ensure a young person can maintain important connections with their friends, sports, school, and community, and reach their full potential.

Across Ireland 3,984 foster carers currently open their homes to 5,265 children. In Kerry, there are currently 140 children in foster care. Foster carers play a critical role in the child protection system and ultimately a key role in the well-being of young people.

“Tusla foster carers provide a safe, secure and stable home environment for the most vulnerable in our society," Kate Duggan, National Director of Services and Integration Tusla, said.

"Right now, there are children and young people in your community who may need a safe place to live. A local placement will ensure they can maintain connections with their friends, sports, school and community. If you have been considering fostering, we would urge you to have another think about the positive difference you would make in the life of children and young people in your community.”

Tusla Care Leaver, Shannon Joyce said she first went into relative foster care with her younger brother and sister when she was seven-years-old.

"I stayed with my family until summer 2021. My whole experience of foster care has been a rollercoaster to say the least. I've met so many people and heard so many stories throughout the years. I wouldn't change a thing! I'm so happy that I can take all the experiences I have had and all the lessons I have learned and use them to be the best role model and mentor I can be for the young people I teach. Fostering can be an amazingly positive experience for the carers and children. If it’s something you are feeling drawn to you can learn more about it on fostering.ie.”

It can take just one adult to contribute to a child’s well-being and happiness. Fostering is a fulfilling and positive role, that is open to people from all walks of life.

To find out more about becoming a foster carer, see fostering.ie, call freephone 1800 226 771 or email tusla.fostering@tusla.ie. Tusla National Fostering Week is supported by the Department of Children and Youth Affairs, the Irish Foster Care Association(IFCA) and EPIC, a national organisation that works with children in care.