IFCA Objectives
As per the IFCA Strategic Plan, 2009 - 2012, the main objectives are:
- Objective 1 - Service and Membership
IFCA will be the voice of foster care in Ireland by providing comprehensive support and mediation, training and advocacy programmes to its members who will be made up of the majority of foster carers. IFCA will model excellent collaboration between social workers and foster carers.
Objective 2 - Support and Mediation
IFCA will provide independent professional support and mediation in fostering situations.
Objective 3 - Training
IFCA will increase the expertise of all involved in foster care by delivering training programmes that match best practice globally.
Objective 4 - Advocacy
To build a systematic advocacy process that will unremittingly campaign on behalf of our members on the following issues - a)Aftercare, b)Out of Hours c) Access and d) other services.
Objective 5 - Funding
To maintain our core funding from HSE and to develop an independent fundraising initiative.
Objective 6 - Strategic Alliances
IFCA will build on the existing excellent relationships with parties who have vested interests in childcare and develop new ones.
Objective 7 - Governance and Structures
To structure the IFCA board so that it delivers excellent governance. To review the IFCA overall structures and create the most effective organisation capable of delivering services to the membership.
IFCA aims:
To assist in the recruitment, education and training of persons involved in the care and treatment of children in foster care in Ireland.
To create a greater public awareness of foster care in Ireland, thererby drawing more families into fostering.
To provide support and educational services for those involved in foster care in Ireland.
To encourage the highest standard of practice for those involved in foster care.
To promote a caring environment and a sense of community concern and care for the children in foster care.
To promote research into subjects related to fostering and to educate and influence public opinion by all lawful means.
To establish and maintain one or more centres or branches to be used for the main objects of the Association.
To unite everyone concerned with children in care, foster families, natural families, social workers, religious, teachers, hospital staff and child care workers, with one common ideal, to work for the child in care.
To be steadfast in its commitment to the ideal that every child has the right to a family life, be it with the natural family or a substitute / foster family.