The Irish Foster Care Association https://ifca.ie/home/ Mon, 08 Jun 2026 08:51:59 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 Understanding and Supporting Children who Present with Sexualised Behaviour https://ifca.ie/understanding-and-supporting-children-who-present-with-sexualised-behaviour-2/ Thu, 07 May 2026 12:15:39 +0000 https://ifca.ie/?p=8796 The post Understanding and Supporting Children who Present with Sexualised Behaviour appeared first on The Irish Foster Care Association.

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Events


Please see below for learning events, coffee mornings and other fostering related activites taking place around the country.

Understanding and Supporting Children who Present with Sexualised Behaviour

Monday 22nd June, 10.30am* to 1pm, online via Zoom   *note later start time

With Christina Enright

For foster carers and practitioners throughout the country

To Book You Place: email Katherine on learning@ifca.ie

Course Overview:

Children in care may present with sexualised behaviour and foster carers can experience uncertainty around how to best respond. There may be an assumption that when a child is presenting with sexualised behaviour that this is an indicator of sexual abuse. However, it is clear from research into sexualised behaviour in children that it is complex and can occur for a number of reasons, not least as part of typical development. This training is designed to give foster carers the space to explore this area in order to learn about it and how to support their foster child.

Learning Outcomes:

  • Learning how to distinguish between typical developmental sexualised behaviour and healthy developmental experimentation, and behaviour which is likely to be harmful to the child and other children;
  • The link between trauma, attachment, nurture, emotional regulation, and sexualised behaviour;
  • About when children are likely to need close supervision around sexualised behaviour;
  • Some guidance for foster carers on how to respond to sexualised behaviour in traumatised children and adolescents.

 

About Christina Enright

RN, BSc Psychology, Dip in Family Therapy, MA Child Psychotherapy, Dip Clinical Supervision.

Over the past 17 years, Christina has worked as a psychotherapist with children, adolescents, birth parents, foster carers and adoptive parents. Her experience includes the development of a multidisciplinary clinical service for families experiencing trauma and attachment problems who were reluctant to engage with main-stream social care and mental health services. From 2015-2017 Christina provided trauma consultancy to the clinical team developing a children’s service within the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) in the UK.  She also delivers training on child development, trauma and attachment both within the NHS and other education and social care systems across the UK and Ireland.  Her special interest is in early childhood development and the impact of trauma on a child’s developing capacities, functioning and behaviour. From her experience working with children who have endured developmental trauma characterised by neglect and abuse, she has found it necessary to use a comprehensive integrated approach in order to address the multiple complexities which such children present with.  Christina returned to live in Ireland in 2016 and currently works as a Developmental Trauma and Attachment specialist providing training, assessment and clinical interventions on behalf of Tusla Child and Family Agency and in independent practice.

 

 

 

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]]> Helping Children and Teenagers to Develop an Ability to Understand, Express and Regulate their Anger https://ifca.ie/helping-children-and-teenagers-to-develop-an-ability-to-understand-express-and-regulate-their-anger/ Thu, 07 May 2026 12:13:47 +0000 https://ifca.ie/?p=8794 The post Helping Children and Teenagers to Develop an Ability to Understand, Express and Regulate their Anger appeared first on The Irish Foster Care Association.

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Events


Please see below for learning events, coffee mornings and other fostering related activites taking place around the country.

Helping Children and Teenagers to Develop an Ability to Understand, Express and Regulate their Anger in Ways that Support their Emotional Wellbeing

Friday 19th June, 10am to 1pm, online via Zoom

With Christina Enright

For foster carers and practitioners throughout the country

To Book You Place: email Katherine on learning@ifca.ie

Course Overview:

Anger is a normal human emotion and has an adaptive function of helping us to set personal boundaries keeping us safe from harm and for survival. However, anger may become an emotion which is expressed in unhelpful, unhealthy and even destructive ways that may sabotage a child’s, teenager’s or adult’s development and wellbeing and create ruptures or disconnects in relationships. This training is designed to help foster carers to consider this complex emotion and the place of anger in both their own lives and the lives of their children as well as thinking about how to approach anger issues with a sense of understanding, acceptance, curiosity, compassion and empowerment.

Learning Outcomes:

  • Learn about anger as an emotion and how it is generated in the brain and nervous system;
  • How temperamental differences may play a part in emotional reactivity and how it is affected by environmental experience;
  • How sensory regulation difficulties can look like anger;
  • Understanding valid anger in children who have experienced betrayal and abandonment;
  • Our own relationship with anger; how we can be triggered and different ways our nervous systems may respond- anger is not always communicated through externalised behaviour but can be part of the shut down/shut off way of coping with the fear of being angry or expressing anger, which can be disempowering;
  • How to respond to a child or teenager who presents with frequent anger expression which may be getting in the way of the child’s progress and connection in your relationship.

 

About Christina Enright

RN, BSc Psychology, Dip in Family Therapy, MA Child Psychotherapy, Dip Clinical Supervision.

Over the past 17 years, Christina has worked as a psychotherapist with children, adolescents, birth parents, foster carers and adoptive parents. Her experience includes the development of a multidisciplinary clinical service for families experiencing trauma and attachment problems who were reluctant to engage with main-stream social care and mental health services. From 2015-2017 Christina provided trauma consultancy to the clinical team developing a children’s service within the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) in the UK.  She also delivers training on child development, trauma and attachment both within the NHS and other education and social care systems across the UK and Ireland.  Her special interest is in early childhood development and the impact of trauma on a child’s developing capacities, functioning and behaviour. From her experience working with children who have endured developmental trauma characterised by neglect and abuse, she has found it necessary to use a comprehensive integrated approach in order to address the multiple complexities which such children present with.  Christina returned to live in Ireland in 2016 and currently works as a Developmental Trauma and Attachment specialist providing training, assessment and clinical interventions on behalf of Tusla Child and Family Agency and in independent practice.

 

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]]> Safe Care and Safety Planning in Foster Care https://ifca.ie/safe-care-and-safety-planning-in-foster-care/ Thu, 07 May 2026 12:11:52 +0000 https://ifca.ie/?p=8792 The post Safe Care and Safety Planning in Foster Care appeared first on The Irish Foster Care Association.

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Events


Please see below for learning events, coffee mornings and other fostering related activites taking place around the country.

Safe Care and Safety Planning in Foster Care

Monday 15th June, 10am to 12noon, online via Zoom

With Andrew Murphy, National Advocacy Service Coordinator

Overview:

Keeping children safe is at the heart of parenting and of the work of the child protection and welfare services. Effective safety planning is at the heart of protective practice with children and young people at risk. This session explores the key elements in safety planning for children in foster care, including the assessment of risk factors, recognising and understanding harmful behaviour in the child or in those around the child, the identification of strengths and protective factors which help to buffer against harm and the safe care practices that promote the sense of safety and belonging for the child. The session considers how safety planning is a collaborative process involving foster carers, practitioners, the child and their birth family when possible. The session focusses on the important perspectives foster carers can bring to safety planning and what information foster carers need to enable them to be effective partners in the safety planning process.

About Andrew Murphy

Andrew Murphy is the Coordinator of IFCA’s National Advocacy Service since 2016 supporting foster families who find themselves in complex fostering situations. Andrew has a BSc in Clinical/Medical Social Work and a MSc in Applied Social Research rom Trinity College Dublin where he has been involved in social work research.

 

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]]> Giving Reunification the Best Chance https://ifca.ie/giving-reunification-the-best-chance/ Thu, 07 May 2026 12:10:07 +0000 https://ifca.ie/?p=8790 The post Giving Reunification the Best Chance appeared first on The Irish Foster Care Association.

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Events


Please see below for learning events, coffee mornings and other fostering related activites taking place around the country.

Giving Reunification the Best Chance

Wednesday 10th June, 7pm to 9pm, online via Zoom

With Christina Enright

For foster carers and practitioners throughout the country

To Book You Place: email Katherine on learning@ifca.ie

Overview:

Reunification, when a child returns to live with birth family after a period of foster care, is a challenging and emotional process for the child, the foster carer, the practitioner and the birth family. This course considers how we can keep the needs of the child central in this complex process. It explores the factors that need to be considered in assessing capacity for nurture and safety when planning for reunification and whether the circumstances that led to the child’s admission into care have changed sufficiently to make a return home safe and successful.

The course also looks at the vital role played by foster carers in supporting the transition, sharing routines and ‘likes/dislikes’ with the birth parents, and sometimes providing respite care post-reunification. The course will also explore what helps to create a sense of safety, both emotional and physical,  for the child experiencing this change and the kinds of ongoing supports needed by the child and parents to give reunification the best chance of succeeding. It reflects on self-care for foster carers during this time.

About Christina Enright

RN, BSc Psychology, Dip in Family Therapy, MA Child Psychotherapy, Dip Clinical Supervision.

Over the past 17 years, Christina has worked as a psychotherapist with children, adolescents, birth parents, foster carers and adoptive parents. Her experience includes the development of a multidisciplinary clinical service for families experiencing trauma and attachment problems who were reluctant to engage with main-stream social care and mental health services. From 2015-2017 Christina provided trauma consultancy to the clinical team developing a children’s service within the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) in the UK.  She also delivers training on child development, trauma and attachment both within the NHS and other education and social care systems across the UK and Ireland.  Her special interest is in early childhood development and the impact of trauma on a child’s developing capacities, functioning and behaviour. From her experience working with children who have endured developmental trauma characterised by neglect and abuse, she has found it necessary to use a comprehensive integrated approach in order to address the multiple complexities which such children present with.  Christina returned to live in Ireland in 2016 and currently works as a Developmental Trauma and Attachment specialist providing training, assessment and clinical interventions on behalf of Tusla Child and Family Agency and in independent practice.

 

 

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]]> Resolving Issues in Foster Care https://ifca.ie/resolving-issues-in-foster-care/ Thu, 07 May 2026 12:04:59 +0000 https://ifca.ie/?p=8785 The post Resolving Issues in Foster Care appeared first on The Irish Foster Care Association.

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Events


Please see below for learning events, coffee mornings and other fostering related activites taking place around the country.

Resolving Issues in Foster Care

Wednesday 16th September, 10am to 12noon, online via Zoom

With Karen Cahill

For foster carers and practitioners throughout the country

To Book You Place: email Katherine on learning@ifca.ie

Overview:

This information session outlines the various routes available to foster carers in attempting to resolve issues and problems which may arise for them within the context of fostering children. It focuses on the importance of compassionate communication in the working relationships foster carers have with a wide range of people in their role including professionals and birth family members. It considers a variety of challenges inherent in these fostering relationships and provides tools and resources that may help foster carers find a pathway to a resolution.

About Karen Cahill

Karen Cahill has a BA Social Care, Dip Community and Family Studies, MA Family Support Studies. Karen has a background and a number of years’ experience in Social Care and Youth Work and up to 2016, she worked primarily with people experiencing homelessness and children and young people in care.  Many of the parents and children that Karen worked and liaised with at this time were involved in the fostering system.

Karen currently works with IFCA as Helpline Co-Ordinator supporting Foster Carers and callers to the National Support Helpline, working with a team of volunteers and staff to support callers in navigating complex situations, provide guidance and empower callers.  Karen also has previous facilitation experience and recently finished a Masters in Family Support Studies which involved research on ‘Systems of Support for Foster Carers’; Karens goal is to continue working to support and empower Foster Carers in their roles and highlight the needs of Foster Carers from the voices of foster carers.

 

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]]> Reconnecting with a Sense of Self: A 6-week Support and Development Course https://ifca.ie/reconnecting-with-a-sense-of-self-a-6-week-support-and-development-course/ Fri, 01 May 2026 08:30:08 +0000 https://ifca.ie/?p=8743 The post Reconnecting with a Sense of Self: A 6-week Support and Development Course appeared first on The Irish Foster Care Association.

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Events


Please see below for learning events, coffee mornings and other fostering related activites taking place around the country.

Reconnecting with a Sense of Self: A 6-week Support and Development Course

Beginning Monday 11th May, 10am to 12noon, online via Zoom

With Marianne Dwyer, Psychotherapist

For foster carers throughout the country

To Book You Place: email Katherine on learning@ifca.ie

Overview:

The greatest loss within fostering may well be with your sense of self. People will often become immersed in their roles and relationships with others and can find that they have lost sight of their own wishes, dreams, and desires. Major life events, such as placement disruption, allegations, coping with trauma, moving to a new place, changing jobs, or experiencing a loss, can disrupt your sense of identity, which can leave a person questioning their purpose in life, with feelings of disruption, unfulfillment, resentment and confusion. Embracing the positive aspects of you and your life bolsters your sense of self and can support you in living an authentic life.

This course will include reflection and mindfulness practices, and space for relaxation, discussion and empathic listening. The flexibility and fluidity of the process is guided by feedback from participants on a weekly basis and a gentle process is offered to all participants in a safe, compassionate space within this programme.  There may be exercises for participants to complete between sessions. This is always optional and at the participant’s own pace. Implicit in the learning outcomes for the participants is the win-win of self-compassion, co-regulation and resilience, which responds to the needs and vulnerabilities of the children in their care, and the participants role within the care system.

Session 1: Monday May 18th 2026: 

Session 2: Friday May 29th 2026

Session 3: Monday June 8th 2026

Session 4: Monday June 15th 2026

Session 5: Monday June 22nd 2026

Session 6: Monday June 29th 2026.

About Marianne Dwyer

Marianne Dwyer, MA; RGN; MAPCP; Certified Teacher in Mindfulness and Meditation, is an accredited Psychotherapist (MA in Counselling and Psychotherapy), with a background of 20 years in Nursing, who now works in a variety of settings, one of which is the provision of support to IFCA Helpline and national volunteers and Advocates. She also provides support in the areas of grief, loss, emotional trauma and stress-management. The bedrock of Marianne’s approach in her counselling and group work is self-care and self-compassion.

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]]> Statement Irish Foster Care Association, following Prime Time Investigates 22nd April 2026 https://ifca.ie/statement-irish-foster-care-association-following-prime-time-investigates-22nd-april-2026/ Thu, 23 Apr 2026 11:08:14 +0000 https://ifca.ie/?p=8630 The post Statement Irish Foster Care Association, following Prime Time Investigates 22nd April 2026 appeared first on The Irish Foster Care Association.

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News


The latest news from the IFCA Office

Statement Irish Foster Care Association, following Prime Time Investigates 22nd April 2026

The Irish Foster Care Association is deeply distressed by the experiences highlighted in the RTÉ Investigates programme examining the use of Special Emergency Arrangements for children in care.

While Special Emergency Arrangements may sometimes be necessary in acute situations, they should only ever be short-term and exceptional measures. They are not appropriate settings for meeting the longer-term emotional, developmental, and relational needs of children and young people.

The continued requirement to rely on emergency arrangements points to a system under sustained and significant pressure. This is not a new issue, and the persistence of these difficulties highlights the urgent need for decisive action.  The Irish State carries a clear responsibility to ensure that the needs of children in care are properly met without delay.

Central to any response is the expansion of appropriate foster care capacity, alongside a renewed focus on the recruitment and retention of foster carers. However, this is only possible if there is meaningful improvement in the supports available to foster carers and the children and young people they care for, including access to therapeutic services for children and young people in care and practical and financial supports for foster carers.

It is also clear from what our foster carers tell us that stronger and more consistent Aftercare supports are urgently needed for young people leaving care. Our long standing and consistent view is that Aftercare support should be available to all young people transitioning from care and should continue until at least the age of 23, regardless of their educational status.

These stories should never have had to be told.  We are humbled by the bravery and resilience of these young people.  This is a call to action for all of us.

Ends

For further information:

Sharon McDonnell, M: 087 269324, E: media@ifca.ie

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]]> Annual Report 2024 https://ifca.ie/annual-report-2024/ Sat, 04 Oct 2025 11:56:13 +0000 https://ifca.ie/?p=8206 The post Annual Report 2024 appeared first on The Irish Foster Care Association.

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News


The latest news from the IFCA Office

Irish Foster Care Association Annual Report 2024

The Irish Foster Care Association is proud to publish our Annual Report for 2024.

Throughout 2024, IFCA worked tirelessly to advocate for foster families, ensuring their voices are heard at the highest levels of policy-making.

The report also reflects on the vital training, support services, and resources we delivered to foster families nationwide, helping them to meet the diverse and complex needs of children in their care.

As the number of children in state care continues to grow, our mission remains clear: to recognise, value and support the foster care community so that every child can experience the security and love of family life.

You can read the full Annual Report 2024 here.

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]]> Volunteer with IFCA https://ifca.ie/volunteer-with-ifca/ Mon, 28 Jul 2025 12:07:17 +0000 https://ifca.ie/?p=8059 The post Volunteer with IFCA appeared first on The Irish Foster Care Association.

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Events


Please see below for learning events, coffee mornings and other fostering related activites taking place around the country.

Are you interested in working on a National Helpline Service? Can you give 4 hours one day a week?

The Irish Foster Care Association (IFCA) is the national organisation that supports foster families and the wider fostering community. We advance and promote best practice in foster care through support, learning and advocacy. Membership is broad based and includes foster and relative carers, social workers, child care workers, academics and others with an interest in or who are involved in foster care.

IFCA’s National Helpline Service is a confidential helpline service who offer independent, objective, non-judgmental and a supportive space to discuss and explore issues of concern relating to foster care.

The National Helpline Service is managed by trained and certified staff and volunteers, some of who are Foster Carers, providing a telephone, email, and webchat support service from Monday – Friday 11am – 3pm.

Volunteer Role
Helpline Volunteers needed for Phone Support providing Guidance, Information and Emotional support to callers, one day a week for up to 4 hours.

Based in TU Tallaght Synergy Building & Counselling Skills external provider (Dublin) & Helpline is Remote – home based.

You can find out more and how to apply here.

News


The latest news from the IFCA Office

Are you interested in working on a National Helpline Service? Can you give 4 hours one day a week?

The Irish Foster Care Association (IFCA) is the national organisation that supports foster families and the wider fostering community. We advance and promote best practice in foster care through support, learning and advocacy. Membership is broad based and includes foster and relative carers, social workers, child care workers, academics and others with an interest in or who are involved in foster care. For more information please visit our website: www.ifca.ie.

IFCA’s National Helpline Service is a confidential helpline service who offer independent, objective, non-judgmental and a supportive space to discuss and explore issues of concern relating to foster care.
The National Helpline Service is managed by trained and certified staff and volunteers, some of who are Foster Carers, providing a telephone, email, and webchat support service from Monday – Friday 11am – 3pm.

Volunteer Role
Helpline Volunteers needed for Phone Support providing Guidance, Information and Emotional support to callers, one day a week for up to 4 hours.

Based in TU Tallaght Synergy Building & Counselling Skills external provider (Dublin) & Helpline is Remote – home based.

You can find out more and how to apply here.

The post Volunteer with IFCA appeared first on The Irish Foster Care Association.

]]> Launch of IFCA’s Strategy 2025 – 2027 https://ifca.ie/launch-of-ifcas-strategy-2025-2027/ Wed, 16 Apr 2025 06:19:44 +0000 https://ifca.ie/?p=7717 The post Launch of IFCA’s Strategy 2025 – 2027 appeared first on The Irish Foster Care Association.

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News


The latest news from the IFCA Office

The Irish Foster Care Association Launches New Strategy to Empower and Support Ireland’s Fostering Community

The Irish Foster Care Association (IFCA) today launched its new Strategic Plan 2025–2027, a roadmap created in partnership with nearly 600 foster carers, members, and stakeholders across Ireland. This strategy centres on what matters most: the foster carers, children, families and stakeholders who make up the fostering community.

At its core, this plan reflects IFCA’s renewed commitment to being the voice, advocate, and ally for all those involved in foster care—championing their needs, lifting their voices, and providing tangible support where and when it’s needed.

The strategy outlines three key priorities that will guide IFCA’s work over the next three years:

  1. INFLUENCE: Influence change in policy and practice to ensure fostering in Ireland is recognised, valued and supported.

We will:

  • Advocate for better recognition of foster carers, including fair financial supports and pension entitlements.
  • Strengthen national advocacy by consulting with foster carers across Ireland.
  • Work with Tusla, government bodies and other partners to influence decisions that improve children’s outcomes, support foster care and the fostering community.
  • Commission research initiatives to inform evidence-based policy change.
  1. SUPPORTS & SERVICES: Provide and access responsive, solution – focused and agile supports to our membership.

We will:

  • Extend our independent advocacy service—supporting foster families through challenging times and contributing to the retention of foster carers.
  • Support the National Helpline and Counselling Services, ensuring timely, expert help is available.
  • Deliver high-quality training, both in-person and online, shaped by foster carers feedback.
  • Work to close gaps in access to supports and services, ensuring consistency nationwide.
  • Promote membership of IFCA to ensure every foster carer is part of a connected and supported network.
  1. ORGANISATIONAL CAPACITY: Enhance our organisational capacity, sustainability and governance.

We will:

  • Ensure our team is resourced, trained, and empowered to work in a positive, mission led organisation.
  • Build sustainable funding streams to expand services and increase organisational outputs
  • Partner with organisations across Ireland and Europe to develop innovative programmes that support foster families.

Speaking about the strategy, Corrinne Hasson, CEO of IFCA, said:

“This is a plan built by and for the fostering community. Our goal is simple – to ensure foster carers feel heard, supported, and never alone. Whether it’s through advocacy, training, connection or emotional support, IFCA is here to stand with you. Together, we will create a future where fostering is truly recognised, valued, and supported.”

Also speaking at the launch of the strategy, Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley, said:

“I was delighted to attend the launch of the Irish Foster Care Association’s new Strategic Plan. Foster carers play a vital role in the care and upbringing of some the most vulnerable children in Ireland. IFCA provides advocacy, support and guidance for those who choose the incredibly important and rewarding role of being a foster carer. I welcome the new Strategic Plan, and I look forward to working closely with IFCA in the future.”

You can access the full Strategy Document here.

You can access the Strategy Presentation here.

We would like to thank Community Foundation Ireland for funding this strategy and 2into3 for guiding the consultation process.

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