National Fostering Awareness Month has put a fresh spotlight on the importance of fostering in Ireland, with Minister Norma Foley praising the families and carers who provide stable, supportive homes for vulnerable children. The gov.ie announcement highlights a strong national message: fostering remains one of the most important ways communities can support children in care, and more carers are still urgently needed across the country.
Published by the Department of Children, Disability and Equality, the update marks a successful June campaign led by Tusla Fostering, with events held nationwide to raise awareness, answer questions, and encourage new applicants to explore becoming foster carers.
National Fostering Awareness Month shines a light on carers across Ireland
According to gov.ie, Minister Foley took part in an information session and panel discussion in Leinster House alongside foster carers, peer support workers, social workers, TDs and senators. The event reflected a wider national effort to show the real impact foster families have on children and young people who need care.
Throughout June, Tusla organised public events to help people better understand:
- What fostering involves in practice
- How to become a foster carer in Ireland
- The different types of foster care available
- The positive long-term impact of stable family-based care
One of the most symbolic events took place at Streedagh beach in County Sligo, where Tusla foster families created sand art featuring 1,000 hearts in recognition of foster carers who open both their homes and their hearts to children in need.
Ireland remains a leader in foster care
The figures shared on gov.ie underline how central foster care is to Ireland’s childcare system. At the end of March 2026, there were 5,822 children in care nationwide. Of these, 5,064 children, or 87%, were living with foster families. That places Ireland among world leaders in the use of foster care as the preferred care model for children who cannot remain at home.
The campaign also reflects the wider work of Tusla and the Children/Disability/Equality sector in supporting child welfare, while related public bodies such as the Health Service Executive (HSE), Citizens Information Board and Education services often help families navigate support systems around care, wellbeing and development.
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More foster carers still needed despite rising numbers
While the latest gov.ie update points to positive momentum, demand remains high. Minister Foley said around 3,800 foster carers are currently supporting more than 5,000 children across the State, but more families are needed in both urban and rural communities.
Recent approval numbers show steady growth:
- 173 new foster carers approved in 2023
- 210 new foster carers approved in 2024
- 223 new foster carers approved in 2025
That brings the three-year total to 606 newly approved foster carers. Even so, recruitment must continue to keep pace with annual turnover, which is a normal feature of fostering systems internationally.
Why this matters for families and communities
The gov.ie message is clear: fostering can offer children safety, routine, and belonging during some of the most difficult periods of their lives. It can also be deeply rewarding for carers who want to make a meaningful difference. Public awareness campaigns like this one help build understanding around fostering while encouraging more people to begin the conversation with Tusla.
For people exploring public information, agencies such as gov.ie, Tusla, the Revenue Commissioners, An Garda Síochána, the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) and the Department of the Taoiseach often form part of the broader ecosystem families interact with when accessing Irish public services.
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How to learn more about fostering through gov.ie and Tusla
Anyone interested in fostering can contact Tusla on 1800 226 771 or visit fostering.ie for more details. National Fostering Awareness Month has reinforced an important truth: foster carers are essential to the lives of thousands of children in Ireland. As highlighted on gov.ie, continued public engagement will be key to ensuring more children can access safe, caring homes in the years ahead.
Article/Image Courtesy: gov.ie
