IT’S hoped a new foster agency opening in Glasnevin
this week will help address the long-term shortage of foster services on the
Northside.
Fostering People Ireland, a subsidiary of a UK parent
company, will be working alongside the HSE to help Dubliners become foster
carers for vulnerable young people from across the city.
To publicise the new service, an open evening will be
held at the Ardmore Hotel in Glasnevin on November 9. Staff from the agency
will give advice on how to become a foster carer, and offer guidance on the
challenges and rewards associated with fostering.
Speaking to Northside People ahead of the open
evening, Fostering People Service Manager Lesley Dale said their aim is to
bring a
“new dimension
? to foster care services in Dublin.
“We want to help increase the number of foster carers
and share with them our experience and expertise, so that more children and
young people can be looked after in safe family environments, where they can
build happy lives,
? said Ms Dale.
Fostering People Ireland is looking to recruit new
staff and foster carers from across Dublin. The organisation offers all carers
one-to-one support through a dedicated social worker, as well as ongoing
training, carer forums and support groups.
They’re currently seeking applications from single
people, same sex, married or co-habiting couples from all ethnic backgrounds,
aged 25 or over.
Fostering People was originally established in England
in 2000. It currently looks after 250 foster children, with a pool of 160
foster carers.