HSE South seeks foster carers for teenagers

THE HSE South is currently recruiting foster carers for teenagers in Cork city who have experienced difficulties in their lives and need stable, loving family relationships.

Couples and individuals – with or without children – who would enjoy the challenge of young people and have some insight and awareness into the growing and developing needs of adolescents are being sought.

An information evening for those interested in fostering people aged 12-18 is being held by the fostering team tomorrow night in Unit 9A at the Kinsale Road Roundabout Business Park.

Christina O’Brien, principal social worker on the Cork fostering team, said that parenting teenagers is demanding, and some parents find they are unable to cope and need a stable family to take over.

“All these young people have experienced difficulties. Some may have spent time in residential homes and need help to bridge the gap to independent living. Others have come from broken homes and the only experience of family life is conflict and violence. They may need to feel supported and to be exposed to a stable, loving family relationship,” she said.

She appreciated that looking after a teenager can be challenging, so training and support is provided for foster carers by a fostering social worker. A fostering allowance is also paid.

“While the teenagers we meet may have particular difficulties, they also have the same needs as all teenagers. Essentially what these young people need is someone who will be there for them, someone who will encourage independence, but will also help to build their confidence,” she said.

For more information, e-mail fosteringcork@hse.ie