Kyra is a 15-year-old girl who is caring, compassionate and fun-loving with a great sense of humour. She loves girlie, self-care activities like getting her hair, eyebrows, nails, and eyelashes done. Kyra loves animals, and especially dogs.

Kyra is currently in special care but is due to move to her new residential home in early 2024. While Kyra requires the structure and support of a residential home, she would really benefit from having a connection with a family who can offer her their time and eventually some day and overnight respite.

Kyra thrives on 1:1 attention and really values relationships. Kyra has missed out on ‘normal’ childhood experiences and ‘firsts’ and would really benefit from experiencing missed opportunities within a family setting.

Kyra struggles with emotional regulation and has been diagnosed with emotional behavioural disorder, a mild intellectual disability and ADHD.  Kyra also presents with moderate receptive speech and language difficulties. Kyra can struggle to manage her emotions and feelings, which can lead to her feeling triggered and – when she is going through an especially difficult time – lashing out verbally and physically at others. Kyra would not attend respite on occasions where she was really struggling in this way, but she would benefit from someone who could remain connected with her during good and bad times by showing caring gestures. This might look like phone calls or cards being exchanged so that Kyra knows someone is still thinking about her and still cares about her no matter what her behaviour can be like.   

Connection with Kyra would start slowly, maybe by first meeting a few days a month to share experiences like going for hot chocolate. Then gradually moving towards visits to Kyra in her residential home; then to day visits with Kyra in the community or in the foster carer’s home; and eventually to overnight respite in the foster carer’s home. Kyra would really love phone calls or cards to be exchanged with her in between opportunities for in-person contact.

For more information, please contact Tusla's national freephone fostering number 1800 226 771 or email tusla.fostering@tusla.ie. More details on tusla fostering services can be found on fostering.ie