Open your door to a child in need

There is an urgent need for more foster carers across Ireland, Fostering First Ireland has said, with many children require safe, loving homes.

There is a particular demand for carers willing to take in siblings, older children, and those with additional needs. Without enough foster families, brothers and sisters can be separated. This makes an already difficult situation even more distressing for the children involved.

Nicola and John, a young couple from Tipperary, had always spoke about fostering. In 2022, they decided it was time to take the leap. They already had two children of their own, aged six and eleven. Nicola was at home full-time during Covid-19, and the couple felt it was the perfect time to open their home to children in care.

“We love kids and the happiness they bring,” they shared. “It’s unbelievable. The moment the first foster child came through the door, our lives changed completely.”

“These kids come into your life, and you find strength you never knew you had,” she said.

The couple were approved to foster siblings aged 0–5. Not long after, they got a call. A newborn baby was arriving in just a few days. They said yes straight away.

“She’s just magic,” they recalled. Ten months later, the phone rang again. This time, it was her baby brother. Nicola and John knew immediately that they wanted to keep the siblings together.

“It’s so lovely to see their bond and relationship grow,” Nicola said. “It’s also so good for our own children. Fostering has taught them empathy, kindness, and responsibility.”

For Nicola and John, support from Fostering First Ireland has been key.

“You’re never alone,” they emphasised. “There’s a number in FFI to call 24/7, 365 days a year. Even though we’ve never had to use it, knowing it’s there is a great comfort.”

Monthly support groups and therapy sessions also help them manage the challenges and joys of fostering.

What they treasure most are the small, everyday moments. Right now, more families like Nicola and John’s are needed. Fostering gives children stability, security, and the chance to thrive. It is not without challenges, but the rewards are life-changing.

Fostering may have started as a dream for Nicola and John. Today, it is their way of life — one filled with love, joy, and unforgettable moments.