Sir, - I refer to recent media coverage concerning the Romanian child Miheala, currently in foster care in Co Louth.
The Irish Foster Care Association (IFCA) cannot comment on this specific case, but we would like to clarify some issues in relation to fostering, by which appropriate care is provided for a child (or children) who is in the care of the State, in accordance with the plan for each particular child.
Foster carers are recruited by the health boards and they are thoroughly and rigorously assessed. They then undergo training aimed at enhancing the skills required in caring for a foster child. These will include, among others, helping a child to move on or back home as the case may be.
There are a growing number of children of all ages in health board care who require foster care. Regrettably, there is a shortage of foster carers.
The IFCA has information packs should any of your readers be interested.- Yours, etc.,
Pat Whelan, Irish Foster Care Association, Mayfield Terrace, Ballinteer Road, Dublin 16.