Anybody Can be a Child in Care

In this episode of Fianna Fáil: In Our Own Words, Deputy John Connolly sits down with Clodagh, Jacqui, and John from Tusla's Fostering Service to discuss what it means to be a foster carer.  The three were in Leinster House speaking to representatives for National Fostering Awareness Month in June and to encourage people to consider becoming a foster carer.  Jacqui Smith is the National Fostering Lead for Tusla. Jacqui spoke about the image people may have of children in care but said that those children grow up to be our partners, friends, and colleagues.  Clodagh Downes was in relative foster care as a child and since then she has been on a journey through education in social care, working in disability services and now working with Tusla. Clodagh said the most important thing to a child in care is being told that the situation at hand is not your fault.  John Moriarty was a foster carer for over 20 years years and working as a Foster Peer Support with Tusla. John spoke about the joy in seeing a child in care hit milestones such as attending their first swimming lessons or receiving a good grade in an exam.  Their message is simple: Ireland is recognised as a global leader in foster care; however, the need for new foster carers remains urgent.