Foster Leave

Congress acknowledges the important service that foster carers play in providing a safe and stable environment for foster children in Ireland. While their role is recognised by the State in terms of fostering allowances, there are no associated leave arrangements in place.

Foster carers must attend meetings and training courses as deemed necessary to meet the requirements of child placements. In that regard leave can only be granted by discretion or is taken in the form of annual or unpaid leave.

Given the urgent need for foster families in the State it is important to recognise their role by providing adequate leave for them to continue this service.

Therefore, conference instructs the incoming National Executive Council to engage with
Tusla and the Irish Foster Care Association, as deemed necessary, to campaign for Foster leave legislation to be introduced in the State.