Children of Tipperary foster carers honoured at World Children's Day event in Croke Park

Four young people from Dundrum in county Tipperary were among those invited by Tusla to Croke Park for a special event to mark World Children’s Day last month. 

The event, organised by Tusla Fostering, was to acknowledge the vital contribution the children of foster carers make to children in care.

Fifteen birth and adopted children were recognised and rewarded at the event on Friday, November 21 for the very important role they play in their foster families, making children in care feel happier, safer and loved.

The invitees included Ned Butler and siblings Laura, Louise and Aaron Heney, all from Dundrum. Ned, Laura, Louise and Aaron are also amongst a small group that have been working with Tusla on developing resources to support other children in similar families.

They each received a thank you card and gift from Tusla CEO Kate Duggan, followed by a tour of Croke Park and the GAA Museum and lunch in the Croke Park Hotel. The presentation was made by Maria McInness, National Lead Alternative Care Strategy for Tusla.

Across Ireland, 3,789 foster carers currently open their homes to 5,046 children where they are also supported and welcomed by an estimated 1,800 birth and adopted children.

The card and gift will be distributed to all 1,800 children before Christmas.

Tusla CEO Kate Duggan said for some people, the perceived negative impact on their children is a barrier to fostering but in reality, birth and adopted children can benefit from being part of the support network offered by a fostering family to a child in care.

“Our own feedback from foster families and the children and young people who foster, indicates that seeing life from another’s perspective can be an enriching experience, helps a child learn and develop as an individual and become a more empathetic person.”

As part of its current Fostering Strategy, Tusla has set up a variety of supports for children who live in families who foster.
Peer support groups, summer events and digital resources aim to assure children in fostering families that they are part of a community who foster across the country.

The supports allow young people have their voices heard, valued and represented and the experience produces better outcomes for foster families.

The initiative also includes training, social events for foster parents and children and activities to foster sibling bonds between biological and foster children.

National Lead Alternative Care Strategy for Tusla Maria McInness with Ned Butler and his mother Nora at the World Children’s Day event in Croke Park

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