Let's talk about Care
There are over 6000 children in Care in Ireland. Find out from young people what it means to be “in Care.”
What's Care?
Sometimes there are difficulties at home and your parents are not able to look after you and keep you safe. This means that you leave your home and go live in a new home with people who can care for you.
Why am I in Care?
There are lots of reasons why you go into Care. Whatever the reason is, it is not your fault. Your social worker will talk to you about why you are in Care.
How long will I be in Care?
Everyone is in Care for a different amount of time, some very short and some very long. Your social worker will talk to you about how long they think you might be in Care.
Where will I live?
Relative foster care
You could live with a family member like an aunt, uncle, grandparent or another member of your family.
Foster
care
You could live with a foster family, who are not related to you but will care for you as they do for their own family.
Residential care
You could live in a residential home, which is a house with other young people in care and staff who look after you.
Being in care isn't always a bad thing. It has opened new doors and opportunities. It has extended my family.
Alanis, age 15, Wexford
Do I get to see family and friends?
This is called ‘access’ and it all depends on how safe it is to see your family: if it’s not safe you will see them less, if it is safe, you will see them more.
Who makes decisions about my life while I am in Care?
Decisions about your life are made with you, your parents, your social worker and other important people in your life at your Child in Care Review Meeting and are written down in your Care Plan.
Where will I go to school?
If possible, your new home will be close to your school so that you don't have to change. But if it's too far away you might have to go to a new school.
