HEALTH MATTERS 51 Foster care
promote the well-being of young people through this very important transition period.
IFCA RECOMMENDATIONS Following the completion of this survey, the IFCA proposes the following recommendations: 1. That the findings identified are communicated and shared through the existing collaborative channels between the HSE and IFCA.
2. That any discrepancy between policy and practice in relation to care plans and allocation of social workers and link workers are addressed. The IFCA recognise the challenges in achieving this objective but also recognise the positive implications for the welfare of young people in care and foster carers of achieving realignment.
3. The development and implementation of a national aftercare policy in all HSE regions to safeguard the transition from care to independent living for young people.
4. one of the keys to success for children and young people in care is the relationship between children in care, foster carers and social workers. IFCA would welcome and are open to any initiatives that further promote and develop constructive and positive communication between foster carers and HSE representatives.
5. where possible, access to professional supports and services should be prioritised with regard to the needs of children and young people in foster care.
6. The development and implementation of a consistent and effective ‘out of hours’ social work service in all HSE regions to safeguard and minimise risk to young people in difficult situations and their foster families.
We know that children grow best in families and the IFCA is supportive of early interventions and preventative work with families. Most children in care wish to return home and it is laudable to see how families can be helped to address their problems and be restored to a level of functioning to allow them resume care of their children. For those who can’t, we believe that permanent family placement through adoption, open
“most children in care wish to return home and it is laudable to see how families can be helped to address their problems and be restored to a level of functioning to allow them resume care of their children.”
adoption or long-term foster care the best solution. Whichever placement is deemed to be in the child’s best interests, it needs to be properly resourced to secure a successful outcome, to prevent young people being over-represented in the homeless and juvenile justice systems. There are many excellent foster families
providing great care for the children in their charge, supported by committed and enthusiastic social workers. The HSE and IFCA are committed to continually addressing the issues that arise in foster care to ensure the best possible outcomes for children in care in Ireland. Should any of your many employees in
the HSE wish to get further information on fostering, visit our website at
www.ifca.ie. Should you be interested in becoming a foster carer, please contact your local HSE fostering social work department.
FOSTERING FOR FAMILIES
The Irish Foster Care Association has reduced the cost of a new Beginnings Training Pack and is making this offer available to all trainers. The new Beginnings course is a
preparation course for children of prospective foster carers. The sessions are designed to provide fun and interactive learning experiences that will enable the young people to consider and discuss information and issues related to fostering. Each Pack contains sufficient material to run a new Beginnings course: • 2 x leader’s guides • 10 x Children’s workbooks • 10 x young People’s workbooks
Cost of Pack – c150
To order: contact Sandra Tel: (01) 459 9474 Email:
training@ifca.ie
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