Five Rivers Fostering Ireland

Your Journey to Becoming a Foster Carer: 6 Simple Steps!

Ever wondered what it takes to become a foster carer? Here’s a quick breakdown of the process:

1️⃣ Initial Fostering Enquiry – Take the first step by reaching out to express your interest.
2️⃣ Home Visit – A social worker will visit you to discuss fostering and answer any questions.
3️⃣ Fostering Assessment – A thorough process to understand your suitability and readiness.
4️⃣ Foster Care Panel – Your assessment is reviewed by a panel of experts.
5️⃣ Fostering Approval – Once approved, you’re officially a foster carer!
6️⃣ Matching Process – The journey begins as we carefully match you with a child in need of a loving home.

Becoming a foster carer is a life-changing experience that brings love, stability, and hope to a child’s life. Could you be that person? 💙

📩 Contact us today to start your journey!

Not all fostering is the same, and that’s a good thing.
In Ireland, there are several types of foster care to meet the unique needs of each child and family. 💛

➡️ Short-Term Fostering: Temporary care while long-term plans are made.
➡️ Long-Term Fostering: Providing a stable, loving home for as long as needed.
➡️ Emergency Fostering: A safe haven at short notice, often overnight or for a few days.
➡️ Respite Fostering: Giving families and other carers a short break.
➡️ Relative Fostering: When a child is cared for by someone they already know and trust.

Every type matters. Every foster carer makes a difference.

Ever thought about fostering and wondering what’s right for you?
💬 DM us today for a no-obligation chat with our friendly team.

Why fostering?

Maybe it's a conversation you've had over dinner. Maybe it's a thought that crosses your mind, and you park it, thinking, "Sure, that's not something people like us do." But fostering isn't about being a certain type of person or having the perfect house or the perfect life. It's about having room. Room in your home, and room in your heart, for a child who needs somewhere safe to be.

Right now across Leinster, Munster and the Northwest, there are children and young people who need exactly that. Not perfection. Just consistency. A bed. Someone who shows up.

If you've ever wondered whether fostering could be for you, that wondering is worth listening to. Over the next few weeks, we'll be sharing more: the different types of fostering, what the process actually looks like, and the supports we offer, so you can find your answer in your own time.

For now, just sit with the question. Why fostering? Maybe it's your turn to find out.

We're hosting a coffee morning, and we'd love to see you there. It's a lovely chance to catch up with our team and connect with other foster carers in your area.

📅 Wednesday 16th September
🕥 10.30am
📍 Laois

If you'd like to come along, just reach out to your link worker, and they'll have all the details for you.

We hope to see you there. Contact your link worker for more details. 💛

📣 We’re Hiring | Fostering Link Social Worker – Dublin

Are you a qualified Social Worker looking for a role where you can make a meaningful difference in the lives of children, young people and foster families?

Five Rivers Fostering is looking for a Fostering Link Social Worker to join our Dublin team in a full-time, permanent position.

Working closely with our foster carers, young people, Tusla and the wider Five Rivers team, you’ll play an important role in supporting stable, nurturing foster placements and helping families throughout their fostering journey.

📍 Dublin
⏰ Full-time | 37.5 hours per week
💼 Permanent
💶 €49,000–€71,000 per annum
🎓 Applicants must be qualified Social Workers and registered with CORU.

If you’re passionate about fostering and want to be part of an experienced, supportive team, we’d love to hear from you.

Applications close Wednesday, 30 September 2026.

👉 Find out more and apply via the link: https://irishjobs.ie/job/Fostering-Link-Social-Worker/a-job107920562

🚨 REMINDER 🚨

Our online Fostering Information Evening is happening Tonight at 8 PM, and it’s not too late to sign up!

Join us for a relaxed, informal session where you can learn more about fostering, ask questions, and hear directly from our foster carer, Donna, who will share her journey into fostering.

You’re welcome to leave your camera on or off, whatever feels comfortable for you.
DM us for more information or to register

Our September training and support schedule is here, with sessions on neurodiversity, trauma, emotional wellbeing and practical skills for carers. Swipe through for what's on this month. For more information, get in touch with your link worker.