Kilkenny families encouraged to get involved in fostering

By COLIN BARTLEY

NOT every child in Kilkenny has an ideal upbringing. For many different reasons, and from time to time, these children may need an extra helping hand.

Tusla, the National Child and Family Agency is hosting an information night in an effort to encourage more people to become foster carers.

This coming week is National Fostering Week and Tusla, supported by the Irish Foster Care Association, is hoping to dispel some myths surrounding foster care eligibility while encouraging people from all walks of life to consider providing a loving stable environment for a vulnerable child.

Tusla Kilkenny will be hosting an information session at the Kilkenny Watershed Swimming Pool this Tuesday from 3pm to 4pm,  where people interested in fostering can meet the local fostering team.
Speaking about the misconceptions around foster care Marie Kennedy, Tusla Area Manager for county Carlow, Kilkenny and South Tipperary said: “Somewhere in Ireland today, there is a child in need of a loving and nurturing foster care placement.

“We have a growing population and a growing ask to help children who need care, especially in our areas. We are also looking for relatives to consider providing foster care.
“Foster carers in Kilkenny make a huge contribution to local communities by caring for and supporting them in participating in schools, sports clubs and other activities.

“Each child is different, and each foster carer is different, so we are seeking all types of foster carers from different social, economic, and cultural demographics.”