‘More’ needed to help foster carers
It was one of the IFCA’s first stops on a countrywide tour to highlight what they said is the most serious crisis faced in living memory.
While changes in Budget 2024 were welcome “more” needs to be done to help support foster carers in Ireland, the November monthly meeting of Cavan County Council heard.
Fianna Fáil’s John Paul Feeley made the comments in response to a letter from the Department of Social Protection on the matter.
In September, councillors received a pre-Budget presentation from members of the Irish Foster Care Association (IFCA) - CEO Roisin Clarke and Chairperson Raymond Nolan.
It was one of the IFCA’s first stops on a countrywide tour to highlight what they said is the most serious crisis faced in living memory.
The representatives hoped that, by shedding light on the plight of foster carers, the message would filter up the chain of power in political parties.
Cllr Feeley invited the body to speak with councillors.
In October’s Budget the government committed to bring the annual rate of the foster care allowance to an amount of €20,800 for a child under 12 years and €22,100 for a child over 12 years.
From January 1, 2024, the rates of the Foster Care Allowance will increase by €25 per week, up to €350 per week for children under 12 years and €377 per week for those over 12 years.
The Foster Care Allowance will be further increased in November 2024, up to €400 per week for children under 12 and €425 per week for those aged over 12.
Foster Carers will also receive a double payment of the Foster Care Allowance at its current rate before the end of 2023, and a double payment of Child Benefit for each qualifying foster child before the end of 2023.
While welcoming the response, and the increases in funding for the sector, Cllr Feeley asked that the council’s plea for greater supports be sent to Roderic O’Gorman, Minister for Children, under whose remit foster care falls.
“There were some improvements in the Budget,” acknowledged Cllr Feeley. “But we need to look at more.”