Foster Carer Support
We provide foster carers with the best possible support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. From therapy and educational support to general advice and guidance, our friendly team of support staff are here for you when you need it the most.
Fostering First Irelands Support Services
When you join us as a carer, you’ll have full access to our dedicated support services, designed to guide and assist you every day throughout your journey as a foster carer:
Education Officer
Therapists
Childcare Support Workers
What support can we provide?
When you join FFI as a foster carer, you’ll be supported by our team, every step of the way.
Professional Guidance
Regular visits and telephone contact from an experienced and qualified Link Social Worker
Around the clock Support
Evening and weekend support when you need it, from a Link Social Worker and a member of the Management Team
Paid Respite Breaks
Up to 10 nights paid respite per year
Peer Support Groups
Regular carer group meetings held at a local venue where you can share your experiences and knowledge with other foster carers.
Ongoing Learning and Development
A comprehensive foster carer learning and development programme
Financial Support
When you are fostering, you will receive the statutory fostering allowance when a young person is in your care.
Family Activities
Organised activities for you, your family and the children in your care held across the year.
Apply to Become a Foster Carer
Complete the form to discuss which age group or type of fostering best suits you — whether it is caring for babies, school-aged children, or teenagers.
Foster carers are needed to support children in emergencies, short or longterm placements.
If you would like to find out if you are eligible to foster, please get in touch today by completing our enquiry form.
Learn More About
Becoming a Foster Carer
It normally takes from 6-8 months to go through the assessment process, although this largely depends on your personal circumstances. We will do everything we can to make it as straightforward and simple as possible, offering you all the support and guidance you need, every step of the way.
Fostering Assessment Process
Our vision is to be the leading trauma-informed organisation which fosters respect, belonging, and acceptance. Recognising the harmful impact of trauma on the health and well-being of children, families, and communities, our commitment is to create safe, inclusive environments to build resilience and promote healing and growth.
Carer Learning and Development
Our multidisciplinary team offers a range of tailored assessments and therapeutic supports designed to meet the complex needs of children and families. Whether it’s a psychological assessment, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, or social work input, our goal is to build a clear picture of each child’s strengths and challenges.