A Tusla Social Worker outlines how people can become foster parents on Fostering week
This week celebrates the existing foster carers and highlights the need for more foster families across the country.
Some 3984 foster carers have already opened their homes to 5265 children.
Principal Social Worker for the Regional Assessment Fostering Team, Tusla, Jaqueline Smith: "Kildare has a strong tradition of foster care.
"When we talk about older children we talk about children from 10 and 11 years up.
"The best interest of the child is always in their.
"At the basic level, it's about security and safety.
"Every foster carer will bring something unique.
"Parents from different ethnic backgrounds.
"We all bring different things with us.
"We are looking for people who have space in their lives to look after a child," she said.
Smith said there is no minimum time for a child to stay with a family when he/she has been taken into care.
There are financial supports available for people €352 per week for a child over 12 and €325 for children under 12.
Anyone who is interested in becoming a foster parent can call 1800 226 771.
People can find more information on the Tusla website.
Principal Social Worker for the Regional Assessment Fostering Team, Tusla, Jaqueline Smith spoke with Clem Ryan on Thursday morning's Kildare Today:
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