What should I do if I am concerned about the safety or welfare of a foster child in my care?

1. Without delay, discuss your concern with the child’s allocated Social Worker or your Fostering Link Social Worker.
2. Following this conversation with the Social Worker, decide whether your concern reaches the threshold for a mandated report or reasonable grounds for concern.
3. If a report is required, then submit a Child Protection and Welfare Report Form to the Duty Social Work Service in the area where the child lives. The child’s allocated Social Worker or your Fostering Link Social Worker can help you with this.

In an emergency situation where you think a child is in immediate danger, please contact the local Tusla duty social work service immediately. Contact details for all duty social work teams are available here.

If a child is in danger outside office hours or if you cannot contact Tusla, contact an Gardaí Síochána.

Select an option below for further information and support
What does it mean to be a mandated person?
What should I do if I'm concerned about the safety and welfare of a child not in my care?
What will happen if I report a concern to Tusla?
What support and training is available?