Teagasc and Tusla team up to promote child safety on farms

Teagasc and Tusla – Child and Family Agency have teamed up to provide the first farm safety training specifically for foster carers from farming backgrounds in the Galway, Roscommon and Mayo areas.

The first Farm Safety for Foster Carers course took place on 22 October 2015 in the Teagasc offices in Ballinasloe.  The foster carers learned about carrying out a Farm Safety Risk Assessment and how to make sure that everyone on the farm understands and follows the Farm Childhood Code of Practice.

Michelle Grimes, Social Work Team Leader with Tusla says: “In most cases, the best place for a child in care is in a foster placement in their own community, where they can maintain relationships with friends, schools, and extended family.  We are fortunate that so many farming families throughout Galway, Roscommon and Mayo have opened their homes a child in care and enabled the children to stay in their own localities. 

“However, the farm can be a completely new and strange environment for some of our children in care.  This is why we are delighted to be partnering with Teagasc to help our foster carers to ensure that the children stay safe and well in their new homes.”  

Commenting on the initiative, Teagasc Health and Safety Officer, John McNamara stated: “Growing up on a farm has many positive attributes. However, ongoing vigilance and motivation is required to ensure that farm health and safety of all parties is secured.  A key starting point for any parent or guardian is to be familiar with the safety codes of practice.”

Foster carer, Anne Flynn, receives her certificate for attending the first Farm Safety for Foster Carers training at the Teagasc Office, Deerpark, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway. Pictured are John McNamara, Regional Director of Health and Safety, Teagasc; Anne Flynn, Foster Carer; Angela Toolis, Tusla Area Manager, Galway/Roscommon

-ENDS-

For further information, contact:

Aoife Greene/Sharon Waters, Tusla Press Office  087 63478373 / Aoife.greene@tusla.ie / sharon.waters@tusla.ie

Eric Donald, Head of PR, Teagasc  086 838 1112 / 059 918 3408 / eric.donald@teagasc.ie