Tree planting in Cavan to mark Fostering Awareness Week

This week is Fostering Awareness Week, the Irish Foster Care Association’s annual campaign to raise awareness and understanding of foster care in Ireland. This year’s theme centres on ‘Growing Hope, Fostering the Future’. There are currently 133 foster parents in Cavan and Monaghan.

The week is being marked with tree planting ceremonies in Dublin, Cork, Cavan and Wexford with the focus on “celebrating the deep roots of foster care in Ireland”.

A recent survey carried out by the Association found that almost half of respondents said the support of their community in their fostering role was very important; 62% said it was very important for their foster child; and over three quarters said taking part in community groups and activities has helped them and their family in their fostering journey.

Róisín Clarke, CEO, Irish Foster Care Association, said: “The importance of this unique relationship between foster carer, the child and the community is an essential part of the support system that allows children to flourish and feel a sense of belonging.”

The Minister for Children, Roderic O'Gorman, has extended his support to Fostering Awareness Week. “It is imperative that we recognise the importance of fostering in providing loving and secure family environments to children in care,” he said.

“This week will highlight the immeasurably positive impact this has on the lives of these children.”

The Cavan tree planting ceremony takes place at Con Smith Park today (Friday), March 8, at 1:30pm, with Cathaoirleach, Cllr Philip Brady. Coffee Mornings are also taking place countywide this week as part of the awareness campaign.

There were 5,613 children in care at the end of December 2023; 90% (5,034) of whom were in foster care.