Five Rivers Fostering Ireland

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Five Rivers Fostering Ireland

Ireland's first independent fostering agency, operating as a social enterprise since 2002.

08/10/2026

"The first thing is to listen."

Foster carer Damian knows that when a child or young person comes to stay, they often don't need big gestures straight away. They need someone who will sit with them, give them time, and really hear them. Sometimes that's all it takes for a story to come out.

The same is true for our foster carers. Damian has felt supported by Five Rivers from the very first phone call, and that's no accident. As our CEO Deirdre puts it, "It's about providing really good support to families who then provide superb care to children and young people in care."

If you've ever wondered whether you could be that listening ear for a child, we'd love to have a chat. No pressure and no commitment, just a conversation.

🦜Talk to our team today
Leinster, Cavan & Monaghan +353 (0)1 866529
Munster +353 (0)21 735 597
Northwest +353 (0)74 911 687

✉️[email protected]

07/10/2026

October is looking wonderfully spooky! 🎃👻

This month’s calendar artwork was created by the fantastic children in our foster families, with pumpkins, ghosts and plenty of imagination.

We love seeing their drawings take pride of place in our calendar. A big thank you to our young artists for sharing their creativity with us! 🧡

06/10/2026

Have you been thinking about fostering but aren’t sure where to start?

Join us online tonight at 8 PM for our fostering information evening. We’ll explain how fostering works in Ireland, what’s involved and the support available at every step.

You’ll also meet Jenny, who has been fostering with us for over 14 years, and hear about her experience.

Bring your questions. There’s no pressure to decide anything tonight, just a chance to find out more. 💙

Send us a message for the joining details.

01/10/2026

Young People's Voices Matter. 💛

Last week we were delighted to welcome young people to our third Young Person Council, where they came together to share their views and ideas with us.

These meetings give young people a space to talk openly about what matters to them, and to know that what they say is really being heard. At Five Rivers Fostering, we want their voices to help shape the work we do, and we're committed to listening and learning from them.

There was lots of chat about meeting up in person over the coming months too, which we're really looking forward to.

Our next Young Person Council takes place on 28th October.

A big thank you to all the young people who took part, and to their families and Link Social Workers for supporting them to get involved. A special thank you as well to Dermot and Laura for helping to make it happen. 💛

28/09/2026

A few places are still available for tomorrow’s training with John Sharry.

We’re delighted to welcome John Sharry for a special training session focusing on supporting children and young people, with valuable insights around neurodiversity.

John brings over 30 years’ experience as a social worker, family psychotherapist and child and adolescent mental health professional.

📅 Tomorrow – 29 September
🎓 Training with John Sharry
⏳ Limited places remaining

To book your place, please email:
📧 [email protected]
or
📧 [email protected]

26/09/2026

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!

24/09/2026

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.

22/09/2026

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.

17/09/2026

Fostering transforms lives, not just for the children, but for the families who welcome them in. 💛

A quiet house becomes a place filled with laughter, love, and new beginnings.

Thinking about fostering? You could be the difference in a child’s life. 💚

👉 Download our free info pack on our website www.fiveriversfostering.ie or sign up for an upcoming info evening. DM to learn more.

Address

Unit 4, Block 8, Corporate Business Park 1, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15
Dublin

Telephone

+35318665290

Website

http://www.fiveriversfostering.ie/

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