Fostering remains one of the most important ways communities can support vulnerable children, and this month’s national campaign has put that role firmly in the spotlight. On gov.ie, the latest update from the Department of Children, Disability and Equality highlights how National Fostering Awareness Month is helping more people across Ireland understand the life-changing impact of foster care.
Minister Norma Foley praised the efforts of Tusla Fostering and the many carers, support workers and families involved in events throughout June. The campaign focused not only on celebrating existing foster carers, but also on encouraging new people to explore whether fostering could be right for them. That message matters at a time when Ireland continues to rely heavily on foster families to provide stable, caring homes for children in need.
Read more: Explore more Irish public affairs coverage
How gov.ie highlights the importance of foster care
According to the figures shared on gov.ie, there were 5,822 children in care in Ireland at the end of March 2026. Of those, 5,064 children, or 87%, were living with foster families. That statistic underlines how central fostering is to child protection and family support across the State.
The campaign included information sessions, public engagement events and a panel discussion in Leinster House attended by foster carers, peer support workers, social workers, TDs and senators. Tusla also organised regional events so people could hear first-hand what fostering involves, how the assessment process works and what supports are available.
One of the most symbolic moments came in Co. Sligo, where foster families created sand art featuring one thousand hearts on Streedagh beach, recognising the compassion and commitment shown by carers nationwide.
Why more foster carers are still needed
While the trend is positive, gov.ie also points to a continuing need for additional foster carers. Nationally, approvals have risen for three consecutive years:
- 173 new foster carers approved in 2023
- 210 approved in 2024
- 223 approved in 2025
That brings the three-year total to 606 newly approved carers. Even so, recruitment remains essential because fostering systems naturally experience annual turnover. In practice, that means new households are always needed in both urban and rural communities.
This wider child welfare effort sits alongside the work of public bodies including Tusla, the Health Service Executive (HSE), Citizens Information Board and other State services featured across gov.ie. It also reflects broader policy priorities linked to Children/Disability/Equality, Health, Social Protection and Education, all of which intersect when children need safety, continuity and support.
Explore: Latest news and policy stories from Ireland
What prospective carers should know
For people considering fostering, awareness campaigns like this help answer practical questions. Foster care can involve short-term, long-term, emergency or respite arrangements, depending on a child’s circumstances and the capacity of the family involved. Support from social workers and structured guidance from Tusla are key parts of the process.
Common reasons people begin exploring fostering include:
- A desire to provide stability to a child who needs care
- An interest in contributing to their local community
- Experience raising children or supporting young people
- A wish to make a meaningful long-term difference
As with many public information campaigns on gov.ie, the aim is to make the next step clearer: ask questions, attend a session and learn what is involved before making a decision.
Read more: Explore more society and current affairs features
The bigger takeaway from gov.ie
The strongest message from this gov.ie update is that foster carers are indispensable to Ireland’s care system. National Fostering Awareness Month has celebrated that contribution, but it has also served as a reminder that more families are needed every year. For anyone who has ever thought about opening their home to a child, this campaign makes the case that even one conversation with Tusla could be the beginning of something life-changing.
