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.

2. 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.

3. 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.