Support Services
We specialise in providing foster placements for children and young people with highly complex needs.
We have learnt that the smallest specialist intervention from our childcare support workers, therapy team or education service can make the world of difference to the stability of a placement.
That is why we offer extensive support services to all our foster carers and their families to give their placements the best chances of success. Through locally based resources and multi-disciplinary teams of childcare professionals, we can provide tailored packages of support that are designed to meet the specific needs of children or young people.
While every placement is different, our overall aim is to provide an environment where positive change can be achieved, one where every foster carer receives the support and guidance they need to make a positive difference.
Education Service
At FFI, we believe that every child should have the chance to reach their full potential whether that is through education, employment or training. That is why we are dedicated to helping children in care overcome barriers to learning and get on track to a brighter future.
Education Support Officer
Our Education Support Officer is a qualified and experienced teacher who works in partnership with Tusla to secure appropriate education provision for every child or young person placed with us.
We know that some children require additional support, which is why our Education Support Officer works in collaboration with a range of professionals to help children learn in the classroom or at home.
We encourage children and young people placed with our foster carers to achieve positive outcomes at school.
FFI is proud of the achievements of children in our care and celebrate educational successes. We support young people to strive for nationally recognised qualifications that can be used as a passport to employment or further education.
Children’s Services Manager
FFI’s Children’s Services Manager oversees that children and young people in foster care with the agency are central to the work of FFI. Every effort is made to facilitate their participation and involvement in the activities of the agency in a real manner. Other key aspects of the role is to monitor and supervise direct work with children and young people, facilitate participation in children’s fora and oversee FFI’s support for young people as they move towards leaving care.
Social Care Worker
Our professionally qualified Social Care Worker can provide a range of individual support services for children, young people and foster carers. Working in partnership with our team of social work professionals, they can provide responsive, focused, practical support to help ensure placement stability and deliver positive outcomes.
FFI can provide a wide range of social care support services including:
- Structured activities for children or young people who are not attending school
- Supervision of contact between a child or young person and their birth family
- Direct one-to-one work with a child or young person in order to address specific issues or behaviours
- Independent living skills for young people preparing to move on from care
- Activities to develop social skills for children and young people
- Out of hours support in response to crises or other emergencies
Therapy Service
FFI recognises the importance of the relationship between a foster carer and a child in care.
Our therapy services can help foster carers support young people engage in positive relationships and experiences, which can help maintain placement stability.
We employ a number of qualified and experienced therapists who work in local teams to support foster carers and their families. This relationship begins from the moment a child is placed with a foster carer. The therapists provide carers with consultation and advice in both individual and group settings. They also provide training to staff and foster carers on specialist subjects.
For further information about our resource team, please enquire online.
