If you would like to know more, please join us at one of our information events:

                                             

Tusla is looking for carers who can offer the opportunity to young people to live in the home of an approved person who will help prepare them for independent living.

We know it is harder for older children to find suitable placements. If you think you could offer a safe and caring home to a young person, please keep reading.

	1. Fostering older children may be the perfect fit for your home
	You may be at a point in your life where you feel you have something to offer to a child who needs a safe and secure home. However, you may not wish to take on the particular demands that come with caring for small children. Deciding to care for an older child can offer the young person the opportunity to live in the home of an approved person who will help prepare them for independent living. Offering a home to a child who is older may offer you more flexibility in terms of work and maintaining aspects of your own lifestyle.
	2. Older children need love and care just like younger children
	Although they may be taller and better able to tell us what they think, older children have the same need for safety and love as younger children. Older children are often aware of what hasn’t been right in their homes or lives. Through being there for an older child, to listen to their feelings and offer them a place to feel safe and secure, you will make a huge difference in their future and how they experience the world. You can be instrumental in helping a young person to make sense of their world and move into independence with the support they need.
	3. Older children are often at an exciting time of development
	While the teenage years can be daunting, they are also a really exciting time when young people start on their journey toward adulthood. We all needed that solid and stable person or people to guide us through those big life changes. You can help a young person negotiate those new beginnings such as leaving certificate; getting a part-time job and applying to college. Seeing a young person thrive and grow is amongst the most rewarding experiences.
	4. You will receive training and assessment.
	Approved carers are assisted along their journey with training and assessment to inform their decision and empower them as they undertake this new and exciting journey. You will have access to a social worker who will help you establish what type of care you can best offer and what trainings and supports will benefit you as you progress.
	5. You will be supported
	Approved carers receive a package of support that is comprehensive and designed to help you in all aspects of fostering. You will have a social worker to guide and assist you, access to support groups and on-going training; a 24 hour support line should you need it and financial support to assist you in meeting the additional expenses of caring for a young person.

 

You can also contact us by phone or email and a member of the fostering team will be delighted to speak with you.