Helping children in search of more security and love
Foster homes always needed
A MOTHER in Newbridge is calling on more families to take the plunge and help a young child in need by becoming a foster carer.
Over 6,000 children across Ireland are currently living under the care of a foster family. Domestic abuse, alcohol and drug addiction or sickness are just some of the reasons a parent may be unable to look after their children, meaning they require a new guardian.
With the demand growing all the time, Fostering First Ireland are always on the lookout for new applicants eager to make life better for a child in need of a loving home. This can be a temporary arrangement or prove to be long term.
Two years ago, Sharon Coleman, a single parent from Newbridge, decided to get involved. She had just left her job with the Gardai. With her two boys now teenagers, she had more free time on her hands and felt it was the perfect chance to give fostering a go.
“I spent 15 years working as a Garda and I would’ve been involved in the removal of kids from their homes and bringing them to their new foster family,” Sharon told The Tuam Herald.
“I’ve always thought this was such a lovely thing to do for a child, bringing them into your home and really wanted to do it myself, I just couldn’t commit to it.
“When I resigned from my job that left me in a position to take on this responsibility. I rang Fostering First Ireland, and they pointed me in the right direction. I’m delighted to have fostered two great boys who have settled down well into life in Galway.”
The application process takes around six months to complete. It involves several house visits and online courses to prepare carers for what they are undertaking.
Read the feature in full in this week's edition of The Tuam Herald, on sale in shops or buy our digital edition here