Services
Mandated Services
Upon receipt of funding from the Dept. of Health & Children in 1997, IFCA was mandated to provide the following services:
A national spokesperson on foster care
A regional network
A national office
An independent and confidential support service for foster carers against whom an allegation is made
Fostering Advocacy and Mediation Service
The provision of foster care is complex and emotionally demanding.
IFCA offers a professional and independent advocacy service providing information and support to foster families when difficulties arise. This may involve telephone counselling, meeting with carers or mediation.
Other services provided by IFCA include:
Information on all aspects of foster care
Independent mediation service
Training packages, seminars and conferences
A watching brief on all aspects of childcare law, regulations and reports.
Books – IFCA has a wide range of books on fostering issues available to purchase.
A members Newsletter issued 3 times per year. Download PDF
If you have the IFCA Legal Expenses Insurance you can access a free 24 hour legal advice line and counselling service.
It is advisable to have and be familiar with a copy of the National Standards for Foster Care 2003.
Every child in care should have a Care Plan.