Below are some frequently asked questions to the Irish Foster Care Association. We hope you find what you are looking for here but if you have a question that is not answered please contact the following who can assist you further:
Helpline team @ 01 4585123 or email us directly for general fostering and queries with regard to support for you.
Admin team @ 01 4599474 – or email us directly for Membership and Insurance queries.
Irish Foster Care Association
What does Irish Foster Care Association do?
The Irish Foster Care Association is the national organisation that supports foster families and the wider fostering community. Established in 1981 by a group of foster carers and social workers our primary objective as an organisation is to promote excellence in foster care by:
Promoting partnership between everyone involved in foster care to work for, and in the best interests of the child in care.
Providing support and learning opportunities for persons involved in foster care in Ireland.
Creating a greater public awareness of and promoting foster care in Ireland.
Advocating for excellence for all involved in foster care.
Representing our members is core to IFCA’s work, however, this work has broader benefits for the wider foster care community, identifying challenging and complex issues that may arise on the fostering journey. Once identified, we represent the foster care community to support and advocate for positive change. We embrace, value and respect diversity in our membership as essential in supporting strong working relationships amongst all those involved in foster care.
What services does Irish Foster Care Association provide?
We offer a wide variety of services to support foster families in Ireland.
How can I join the Irish Foster Care Association?
You can become a member by clicking here. Remember the first year for family and individual members is free.
How can I get access to Irish Foster Care Association events in my area?
The Irish Foster Care Association has a network of branches and hubs that offer supports and events for foster families on a local level. Click here to find your nearest branch or hub.
Do I need to be a member to call the Helpline?
No you do not need to be a member to call the helpline, anyone can call the helpline. Helpline
How do I access of the Advocacy service?
In order to avail of our advocacy service you need to log a call with our National Helpline who will then refer you to our National Advocacy if necessary. Visit our National Helpline page or our National Advocacy page
When was the Irish Foster Care Association formed?
The Irish Foster Care Association was formed in October 1981.
Christy O’Reilly was elected the first Chairperson of IFCA.
Pat Whelan, founding member, volunteered and ‘ran’ the Association from a spare bedroom in her home.
You can read the full timeline here.
Fostering
Can I foster if I work?
Depending on the needs and age of the child in your care it may also be possible to continue to work. Foster carers are expected to be available to care for children, attend meetings, training, support groups, and to promote and support access and contact between a child and their family. The child’s needs and best interests will be central to these arrangements.
Can I foster if I am single?
You don’t have to be married or in a relationship to foster. There are many excellent foster carers who are single. The most important thing is that you should be able to demonstrate a strong network of support for you and the child in your care.
Can I foster if I am not heterosexual?
Your sexuality will not stop you from fostering. What is important is that you can provide a young person with a safe, loving and stable home.
Can I foster if I am not an Irish Citizen?
Applications from Non-Irish citizens are welcomed, once you can remain in Ireland indefinitely and can provide a long-term commitment to remaining in Ireland so as to care for a child.
Are there are limits to becoming a foster carer?
The guiding rule is whatever works in the best interest of the child. Applicants should be of sufficient maturity to take on the responsibility of a child in foster care. There is a guideline age of 25 as a lower age limit. However exceptions can be made for relative carers. There is no upper age limit , what matters is you are fit and able to meet the needs of any child you are approved to look after.
Is the Foster Care Allowance reckonable for tax purposes?
The foster care allowance is in respect of and for the benefit of the foster child and therefore must be used to meet the day to day costs associated with looking after a foster child. It is not a payment or salary to foster carers.
The fostering allowance is not reckonable income for the purpose of income tax (as per Section 11, Finance Act 2005. The Foster Care Allowance includes the Clothing and Footwear Allowance.
Can I foster if I live in rented accommodation?
There are lots of foster carers who live in rented accommodation. However, it will need to be secure and stable to ensure the child you foster has the privacy and space they require.
Setting Up Allowance in Foster Care
We have received a couple of queries about the Setting Up Allowance. Many have been referring to it as the Initial Placement Allowance.
Whilst we are still awaiting Tusla’s revised Financial Policy, we have requested an update on this piece.
You can click here to access the policy Setting Up Allowance in Foster Care SOP, which sets out the terms for this allowance, and is currently active.
We are aware that some foster carers have asked their link workers, who were not aware of this policy, and so we are asking Tusla to send to all of their Area Managers for dissemination with the teams.
If you have any questions about this SOP, please do not hesitate to call our National Helpline on 01 458 5123, or email support@ifca.ie
Helpline Queries
My Foster Child requires dental treatment and will cost over 2000 euro. Is this cost covered by the Foster Care Allowance?
The foster care allowance is in respect of and for the benefit of the foster child and therefore must be used to meet the day-to-day costs associated with looking after a foster child. For example, clothing & footwear, hobbies & sport, pocket money, treats, toys etc.
In the circumstance where there is a need for additional care, ie non-routine procedures such as braces, root canal etc, that is not covered by the medical card, a request for an additional payment can be made (page 8, National Financial Policy).
Foster carers are encouraged to make some contribution to same, and this should be agreed between foster carer and social worker.
Can I transfer foster agencies when in a placement with a child or young person?
You can put a request in to the agency you are wishing to transfer to who will organise a meeting with the current agency . The placement with the current child or young person can continue if it is deemed in their best interest.
If an allegation is made, how will I be supported?
Any allegations made will be processed under the new procedure called the Child Abuse Substantiation Procedure (CASP).
The Irish Foster Care Association can also provide support and information via the National Helpline on 01 4585123 or support@ifca.ie
The Irish Foster Care Association also provides an Advocacy Service for members which can be accessed via the Helpline.
If you have legal Insurance with the Irish Foster Care Association, you can avail of independent legal advice and counselling support. In the event the case goes to Court, you are covered up to the amount of 65,000 euro. If you are interested in taking out this insurance you can contact our admin team at admin@ifca.ie or call 01 4599474. An overview of the insurance can be found here.
For more information see our information leaflet on Guidance on dealing with Complaints or Allegations of Child Protection & Welfare Concerns.
Will I incur any deductions to the foster care allowance when availing of respite care?
The respite policy outlines that if a child avails of respite care, the fostering allowance will continue to be paid to the main foster carer where the respite is not more than eight days in any given month. If respite exceeds eight days, then one seventh of the allowance will be deducted from the primary foster carers weekly allowance for each additional day of respite provided.
What is the process for obtaining Enhanced Rights?
Foster parents who meet certain criteria are able to apply to the Local District Court for Guardianship Rights. There are a number of criteria including:
The first step involves discussing your intention with the Fostering Link Worker and notifying them in writing seeking their support and advice in making the application.
Independent legal advice is recommended, however the application can be made without legal representation. The support from The Child & Family Agency and having met the above conditions should be sufficient in the granting of the order.
Please see full policy on Enhanced Rights. If you have any questions please call the helpline on 0145 85 123
When does preparation for Aftercare start?
Preparation for leaving the care system should being around the young person’s 16th birthday and the approach to aftercare is informed by the wishes and agreement of the young person. Services can be provided up to 21 years of age or 23 if in full time education or training, for those young people who are eligible as per section 45 of the Child Care Act 1991.
For more information on Aftercare please see ‘Tuslas National Aftercare Policy for Alternative Care 2017’
Who is eligible for Aftercare Allowance?
Aftercare Allowance is made payable for young people who have been in care for 12 months (in the previous 5 years) on their 16th birthday, or, for 12 consecutive months in the 5 year period prior to their 18th birthday (aged 13 to 18). The weekly standardised allowance is 300 euro per week. *Where a young person is deemed not eligible on assessment they can appeal this decision to their local Area Manager.
For more information on Aftercare please see Tuslas National Aftercare Policy for Alternative Care 2017
What is the passport application process for children in care?
A passport application can be submitted by either the child’s social worker or foster parents. It may be submitted through either of the following two channels:
Special Desk: By post to the following address: Special Desk, Passport Office, 42-47 Lower Mount Street, Dublin 2 or email specialdesk@dfa.ie
Passport Express: Via the Passport Express service available at all An Post offices.
The Passport Service requires the consent of all guardians before issuing a passport for a child under 18 years of age. This applies for first time passport applications and passport renewals (See page 6 on link below).
Processing Times – All passport applications, including those for children in care, are subject to rigorous checks and the processing times required depend on the volume of applications in the system. In general, the Passport Service tries to process renewal applications within 15 working days while first time applications can take longer.
Documentation – All applications should be accompanied by a covering letter from the allocated Social Worker on headed TUSLA paper. All applications must also be accompanied by the original of all documentation required.
Please see full guidelines on ‘Guidelines for Passport Applications for Children in the Care of Tusla’
If you have any questions, please call the support helpline on 014585123
What does the Foster Care Allowance Cover?
The foster care allowance is in respect of and for the benefit of the foster child and therefore must be used to meet the day-to-day costs associated with looking after a foster child. It is not a payment or salary to foster carers.
The allowance should cover the following, although this is not an exhaustive list:
For more information, please see HSE Guidance on the purpose and use of the Foster Care Allowance.
What is the procedure for getting a Covid-19 Vaccine for Children in Care?
The Covid-19 vaccination is recommended for all children from 5 to 17 years of age. Those with health vulnerabilities and underlying conditions are strongly encouraged to receive the vaccine. Before the vaccination the child/young person should be informed of the benefits and risks of taking the vaccine and the risk of covid to their age.
Consent is required of one birth parent or legal guardian to proceed with the vaccination. Children on voluntary care orders will require a birth parent consent. Social Workers can complete for children with a full care order, and Foster Carers where there are enhanced rights (in consultation with the social worker).
The decision of parents/ legal guardians to accept, refuse or defer vaccination should be respected.
Once consent is sought, the parent/legal guardian/foster carer/Social Worker can agree who will attend the vaccination centre/GP/Pharmacy with the child, and the consent form will be required. A child can be registered via:
HSELIVE 1800 700 700 or through a local GP or pharmacy
Young people aged 16+ can consent to medical treatment themselves.
Children’s rights are paramount, if the child/young person does not agree to getting it on the day, the vaccination will not proceed regardless of decision made by parents/guardians.
In the event where the vaccine and placement are at odds, Tulsa can seek legal decisions through a section 47, as a last resort.
For more information, please see: Tusla’s Guidelines on Covid-19 Vaccine for Children in Care
Is there financial support to assist with a parent and baby placement where the mother is in foster care?
Currently there is no national allowance scheme for this type of placement. For young women who are pregnant and in foster care, the fostering allowance will continue to be paid to the fostering parent. If the baby is received into the care system, a Fostering Allowance for the baby will also be provided. However, where the baby is not in the care of the state, The Child Care (Placement of Children in Foster Care) Regulations 1995 state that, a health board may “… provide such financial or other assistance as the board considers necessary to enable foster parents to take care of children placed with them by the board”. Therefore, where there is a need for extra supports, a carer can discuss with their link worker/aftercare worker to establish what supports are available.
(Ref: Tusla National Policy: Financial Payments in Foster Care, Aftercare and Supported Lodgings, 2017); Child Care Act, 1991: (Placement of Children in Foster Care) Regulations 1995).
What is the reason for an unannounced visit?
Unannounced visits from a link social worker, preferably not your own, are a part of Tusla’s safeguarding practices and should take place annually. Also, as part of HIQA’s inspection process, it is examined that unannounced visits take place. Some Link Social Workers will advise the foster carer that a visit will be undertaken, however little notice might be given
How do I request copies of records/reports about me, or, information held by organisations or Government bodies?
For Personal data requests for all organisations (General Data Protection Regulation; GDPR Access Request):
You can request under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), 2018 for any personal data relating to you.
For Government funded bodies data access requests (Freedom of Information; FOI Access Request):
You can request under the following legislation: Freedom of Information Act 2014, for general documents/information held by Government funded bodies such as statistics, reports, policies and any records that relate to you.
General tips:
* Write for the attention of the Data Protection Officer (DPO)/relevant person.
* Name the legislation in which you are making the data request under.
* Be specific about what information you require i.e. type of documents, dates etc.
* Include copy of identification.
* Can also be used for correction of data.
Example of letter template for personal data access request under GDPR legislation here.
Can you tell me more about the Student Accommodation Assistance for young people with care experience?
Student Accommodation Assistance awarded will be the total cost of the student’s rent, up to a maximum of €6,000 per academic year. A student must provide proof of their rental costs regardless of if the student resides in private rental, digs, student specific accommodation on and off-campus (excludes former foster homes).
To be eligible for the Student Accommodation Assistance students must be a member of one or more of the following groups:
Note: The student is not eligible if claiming housing assistance payment (HAP).
In order to avail of the Student Accommodation Assistance, students should apply directly with the access office or student support office in their college. The application date for 2024/25 academic year has now closed, but will reopen again in respect of the 2025/26 academic year, details of this years application dates etc will be shared with Access Officers within the HEIs.
For a list of FAQ’s on Student Accommodation Assistance see the following link:
Student Accommodation Assistance – Frequently Asked Questions for Students
Further details and application for the Student Accommodation Assistance funded by the DAF can be found here:
How do I qualify Domiciliary Care Allowance?
How do I qualify for Domiciliary Care Allowance?
If you are the parent of a child with a severe disability you may be eligible for Domiciliary Care Allowance (DCA). DCA is not based on the type of disability your child has. Instead, it is based on their level of physical or mental impairment. The child does not need to have a formal diagnosis to receive the payment, but must need ongoing care and attention, substantially over and above what is usually needed by a child of the same age.
The Department of Social Protection (DSP) sets out what it means by severe or substantially in their DCA Medical Guidelines document here. These guidelines are used by the Department when it is assessing applications for DCA.
The DCA is not based on a family’s income. Instead, it focuses on the child’s care requirements. Parents must show that their child needs significant care due to a disability or medical condition.
The current payment rate is €380 per month and is a tax-free payment.
In addition to the DCA there is an annual payment called the Carer’s Support Grant, which is currently paid in June each year. The rate of this grant is currently €2,000. This payment is made automatically to people who receive Carers Allowance, Carers Benefit, or DCA and is not taxable.
For more information, please see https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/social-welfare/disability-and-illness/domiciliary-care-allowance/
Can I continue to receive the foster care allowance if my foster child temporarily leaves my care?
In certain circumstances, a foster carer may continue to receive the foster care allowance for up to six weeks while a child is temporarily living elsewhere, provided the child remains in care and the foster carer continues to have an active role in the child’s care and planning.
Examples my include where a child is:
This provision does not apply where a child has been discharged from care, or the foster placement has formally ended.
If you think this may apply to your situation, speak with the child’s social worker, who can advise on eligibility and whether a retainer payment may be considered.
REF: Tusla National Policy – Financial Payments, Allowances in Foster Care, Aftercare, Supported Lodgings and Adoption Maintenance (2025)
What is the Setting Up Allowance?
In addition to the weekly foster care allowance, a once-off Setting Up Allowance may be available when a child enters care and moves into their first alternative care placement. The purpose of this payment is to help meet the initial costs of caring for a child, such as clothing, bedroom items and other essential equipment needed at the start of the placement.
The Setting Up Allowance does not apply to respite, emergency or residential placements.
If you believe a child placed with you may be eligible, speak with the child’s social worker as early as possible. They can advise on eligibility and arrange for the allowance to be considered.
Ref: Tuslas National Policy – Financial Payments, Allowances in Foster Care, Aftercare, Supported Lodgings and Adoption Maintenance (2025)
Allegations
If an allegation is made, how will I be supported?
When an allegation is made, Foster carers will be notified by Tusla in writing of the allegation. Your Fostering Link Worker will support you through the process. It may be beneficial to ask the Fostering Link Worker for a copy of the current policy in relation to allegations.
The Irish Foster Care Assocation can also provide support and information via the National Helpline on 01 4585123, website link: IFCA National Helpline Service | Professional Support to Foster Carers.
The Irish Foster Care Assocation also provides an Advocacy Service for members which can be accessed via the Helpline. For more information on the Advocacy Service see website link: IFCA National Advocacy Service | Support to Carry Out Foster Care Roles.
If you have legal Insurance with the Irish Foster Care Association you can avail of independent legal advice and counselling support. In the event the case goes to Court, you are covered up to the amount of 65,000 euro. If you are interested in taking out this insurance you can contact our admin team @ admin@ifca.ie or call 01 4599474. An overview of the insurance can be found here: Irish-Foster-Care-Info-sheet.pdf (ifca.ie).
For more information see leaflet on ‘Guidance on dealing with Complaints or Allegations of Child Protection & Welfare Concern’ on our website under Information Leaflets.
Category 5 – Red
Can I foster if I work?
Depending on the needs and age of the child in your care it may also be possible to continue to work. Foster carers are expected to be available to care for children, attend meetings, training, support groups, and to promote and support access and contact between a child and their family. The child’s needs and best interests will be central to these arrangements.
Can I foster if I am single?
You don’t have to be married or in a relationship to foster. There are many excellent foster carers who are single. The most important thing is that you should be able to demonstrate a strong network of support for you and the child in your care.
Can I foster if I am not heterosexual?
Your sexuality and will not stop you from fostering. What is important is that you can provide a young person with a safe, loving and stable home.
Can I foster if I am not an Irish Citizen?
Applications from Non-Irish citizens are welcomed, once you can remain in Ireland indefinitely and can provide a long-term commitment to remaining in Ireland so as to care for a child.
Are there are limits to becoming a foster carer?
The guiding rule is whatever works in the best interest of the child. Applicants should be of sufficient maturity to take on the responsibility of a child in foster care. There is a guideline age of 25 as a lower age limit. However exceptions can be made for relative carers. There is no upper age limit , what matters is you are fit and able to meet the needs of any child you are approved to look after.
Is the Foster Care Allowance reckonable for tax purposes?
The foster care allowance is in respect of and for the benefit of the foster child and therefore must be used to meet the day to day costs associated with looking after a foster child. It is not a payment or salary to foster carers.
The fostering allowance is not reckonable income for the purpose of income tax (as per Section 11, Finance Act 2005. The Foster Care Allowance includes the Clothing and Footwear Allowance.
Can I foster if I live in rented accommodation?
There are lots of foster carers who live in rented accommodation. However, it will need to be secure and stable to ensure the child you foster has the privacy and space they require.
Category 6 – Blue
Can I foster if I work?
Depending on the needs and age of the child in your care it may also be possible to continue to work. Foster carers are expected to be available to care for children, attend meetings, training, support groups, and to promote and support access and contact between a child and their family. The child’s needs and best interests will be central to these arrangements.
Can I foster if I am single?
You don’t have to be married or in a relationship to foster. There are many excellent foster carers who are single. The most important thing is that you should be able to demonstrate a strong network of support for you and the child in your care.
Can I foster if I am not heterosexual?
Your sexuality and will not stop you from fostering. What is important is that you can provide a young person with a safe, loving and stable home.
Can I foster if I am not an Irish Citizen?
Applications from Non-Irish citizens are welcomed, once you can remain in Ireland indefinitely and can provide a long-term commitment to remaining in Ireland so as to care for a child.
Are there are limits to becoming a foster carer?
The guiding rule is whatever works in the best interest of the child. Applicants should be of sufficient maturity to take on the responsibility of a child in foster care. There is a guideline age of 25 as a lower age limit. However exceptions can be made for relative carers. There is no upper age limit , what matters is you are fit and able to meet the needs of any child you are approved to look after.
Is the Foster Care Allowance reckonable for tax purposes?
The foster care allowance is in respect of and for the benefit of the foster child and therefore must be used to meet the day to day costs associated with looking after a foster child. It is not a payment or salary to foster carers.
The fostering allowance is not reckonable income for the purpose of income tax (as per Section 11, Finance Act 2005. The Foster Care Allowance includes the Clothing and Footwear Allowance.
Can I foster if I live in rented accommodation?
There are lots of foster carers who live in rented accommodation. However, it will need to be secure and stable to ensure the child you foster has the privacy and space they require.
Category 7 – Yellow
Can I foster if I work?
Depending on the needs and age of the child in your care it may also be possible to continue to work. Foster carers are expected to be available to care for children, attend meetings, training, support groups, and to promote and support access and contact between a child and their family. The child’s needs and best interests will be central to these arrangements.
Can I foster if I am single?
You don’t have to be married or in a relationship to foster. There are many excellent foster carers who are single. The most important thing is that you should be able to demonstrate a strong network of support for you and the child in your care.
Can I foster if I am not heterosexual?
Your sexuality and will not stop you from fostering. What is important is that you can provide a young person with a safe, loving and stable home.
Can I foster if I am not an Irish Citizen?
Applications from Non-Irish citizens are welcomed, once you can remain in Ireland indefinitely and can provide a long-term commitment to remaining in Ireland so as to care for a child.
Are there are limits to becoming a foster carer?
The guiding rule is whatever works in the best interest of the child. Applicants should be of sufficient maturity to take on the responsibility of a child in foster care. There is a guideline age of 25 as a lower age limit. However exceptions can be made for relative carers. There is no upper age limit , what matters is you are fit and able to meet the needs of any child you are approved to look after.
Is the Foster Care Allowance reckonable for tax purposes?
The foster care allowance is in respect of and for the benefit of the foster child and therefore must be used to meet the day to day costs associated with looking after a foster child. It is not a payment or salary to foster carers.
The fostering allowance is not reckonable income for the purpose of income tax (as per Section 11, Finance Act 2005. The Foster Care Allowance includes the Clothing and Footwear Allowance.
Can I foster if I live in rented accommodation?
There are lots of foster carers who live in rented accommodation. However, it will need to be secure and stable to ensure the child you foster has the privacy and space they require.
Category 8 – Orange
Can I foster if I work?
Depending on the needs and age of the child in your care it may also be possible to continue to work. Foster carers are expected to be available to care for children, attend meetings, training, support groups, and to promote and support access and contact between a child and their family. The child’s needs and best interests will be central to these arrangements.
Can I foster if I am single?
You don’t have to be married or in a relationship to foster. There are many excellent foster carers who are single. The most important thing is that you should be able to demonstrate a strong network of support for you and the child in your care.
Can I foster if I am not heterosexual?
Your sexuality and will not stop you from fostering. What is important is that you can provide a young person with a safe, loving and stable home.
Can I foster if I am not an Irish Citizen?
Applications from Non-Irish citizens are welcomed, once you can remain in Ireland indefinitely and can provide a long-term commitment to remaining in Ireland so as to care for a child.
Are there are limits to becoming a foster carer?
The guiding rule is whatever works in the best interest of the child. Applicants should be of sufficient maturity to take on the responsibility of a child in foster care. There is a guideline age of 25 as a lower age limit. However exceptions can be made for relative carers. There is no upper age limit , what matters is you are fit and able to meet the needs of any child you are approved to look after.
Is the Foster Care Allowance reckonable for tax purposes?
The foster care allowance is in respect of and for the benefit of the foster child and therefore must be used to meet the day to day costs associated with looking after a foster child. It is not a payment or salary to foster carers.
The fostering allowance is not reckonable income for the purpose of income tax (as per Section 11, Finance Act 2005. The Foster Care Allowance includes the Clothing and Footwear Allowance.
Can I foster if I live in rented accommodation?
There are lots of foster carers who live in rented accommodation. However, it will need to be secure and stable to ensure the child you foster has the privacy and space they require.
Category 9 – Green
Can I foster if I work?
Depending on the needs and age of the child in your care it may also be possible to continue to work. Foster carers are expected to be available to care for children, attend meetings, training, support groups, and to promote and support access and contact between a child and their family. The child’s needs and best interests will be central to these arrangements.
Can I foster if I am single?
You don’t have to be married or in a relationship to foster. There are many excellent foster carers who are single. The most important thing is that you should be able to demonstrate a strong network of support for you and the child in your care.
Can I foster if I am not heterosexual?
Your sexuality and will not stop you from fostering. What is important is that you can provide a young person with a safe, loving and stable home.
Can I foster if I am not an Irish Citizen?
Applications from Non-Irish citizens are welcomed, once you can remain in Ireland indefinitely and can provide a long-term commitment to remaining in Ireland so as to care for a child.
Are there are limits to becoming a foster carer?
The guiding rule is whatever works in the best interest of the child. Applicants should be of sufficient maturity to take on the responsibility of a child in foster care. There is a guideline age of 25 as a lower age limit. However exceptions can be made for relative carers. There is no upper age limit , what matters is you are fit and able to meet the needs of any child you are approved to look after.
Is the Foster Care Allowance reckonable for tax purposes?
The foster care allowance is in respect of and for the benefit of the foster child and therefore must be used to meet the day to day costs associated with looking after a foster child. It is not a payment or salary to foster carers.
The fostering allowance is not reckonable income for the purpose of income tax (as per Section 11, Finance Act 2005. The Foster Care Allowance includes the Clothing and Footwear Allowance.
Can I foster if I live in rented accommodation?
There are lots of foster carers who live in rented accommodation. However, it will need to be secure and stable to ensure the child you foster has the privacy and space they require.
Category 8 – Red
Can I foster if I work?
Depending on the needs and age of the child in your care it may also be possible to continue to work. Foster carers are expected to be available to care for children, attend meetings, training, support groups, and to promote and support access and contact between a child and their family. The child’s needs and best interests will be central to these arrangements.
Can I foster if I am single?
You don’t have to be married or in a relationship to foster. There are many excellent foster carers who are single. The most important thing is that you should be able to demonstrate a strong network of support for you and the child in your care.
Can I foster if I am not heterosexual?
Your sexuality and will not stop you from fostering. What is important is that you can provide a young person with a safe, loving and stable home.
Can I foster if I am not an Irish Citizen?
Applications from Non-Irish citizens are welcomed, once you can remain in Ireland indefinitely and can provide a long-term commitment to remaining in Ireland so as to care for a child.
Are there are limits to becoming a foster carer?
The guiding rule is whatever works in the best interest of the child. Applicants should be of sufficient maturity to take on the responsibility of a child in foster care. There is a guideline age of 25 as a lower age limit. However exceptions can be made for relative carers. There is no upper age limit , what matters is you are fit and able to meet the needs of any child you are approved to look after.
Is the Foster Care Allowance reckonable for tax purposes?
The foster care allowance is in respect of and for the benefit of the foster child and therefore must be used to meet the day to day costs associated with looking after a foster child. It is not a payment or salary to foster carers.
The fostering allowance is not reckonable income for the purpose of income tax (as per Section 11, Finance Act 2005. The Foster Care Allowance includes the Clothing and Footwear Allowance.
Can I foster if I live in rented accommodation?
There are lots of foster carers who live in rented accommodation. However, it will need to be secure and stable to ensure the child you foster has the privacy and space they require.
