The HSE Children and Family Services has launched a new Fostering Awareness Campaign to raise awareness of the benefits of fostering and to assist HSE foster teams in recruiting new foster carers for children and young people in Ireland. The theme of the campaign is ‘Change a Life, Become a Foster Carer’.

Foster carers are needed throughout the country in larger urban areas. The HSE is especially interested in hearing from potential foster carers for young people aged eight to 18.

Fostering is a service for children who, for a variety of reasons, cannot live with their own family. This may be for a short time, perhaps a week or two, or can be a longer term requirement. Foster carers provide a stable and caring home for children who cannot live with their own family, during what can be difficult times in their lives. Becoming a foster carer is a hugely rewarding experience. When foster carers open their heart and home they can change lives.

If someone is interested in becoming a foster carer, they should contact the HSE Infoline on 1850 24 1850 or visit www.fostering.ie. A range of information sessions and events, organised by HSE Fostering Teams across the country, are taking place as part of the campaign. The full list of events can be viewed at www.fostering.ie.