Your FFI Journey
You are never on your own when you foster with us.
From the minute you start your journey, you will become part of the FFI family and our excellent support teams will be there for you every step of the way.
Fostering Advisors
Our fostering advisor is the first person you speak to when you get in touch with us. They will answer any questions you have and tell you more about what fostering involves. They will arrange to come and visit you at home to talk you through the application process and help you fill in your application form.
Starting your journey
After you have submitted your application form our assessments team will be in contact. They are here to support you in your journey towards becoming a foster carer. They will arrange for you to attend pre-approval training, carry out the required checks and guide you through your assessment.
Your first placement
After you've been approved by Tusla Foster Care Committee, our placements team will find the right placement for you and your family. This may take time depending on your experience and the needs of the child.
Your Social Worker
You will also be allocated a Link Social Worker immediately. They are here to support you throughout your journey and will work closely with the placements team to ensure the best placement match for you and your family. They will also:
- Provide practical support and advice
- Keep in regular contact with you through home visits and phone calls
- Accompany you to meetings about the child in your care
- Liaise with the child's social worker on your behalf
- Arrange training
- Coordinate local carer groups
Fostering as part of a team
Teamwork is at the heart of what we do. So when you join us, you are not just supported by a dedicated Link Social Worker, you will have a team of professionals behind you too. Our Therapists, Senior Education Officer and Childcare Support Worker will work with you to help you understand the behavioural needs of the child in your care, and provide specialist training opportunities and educational support.
