IFCA offers local level support across 26 counties through its network of Branches and Hubs. These Branches and Hubs offer opportunities for all those involved in foster care to come together for a range of activities such as relaxed and informal social Coffee Mornings, Family Fun Events and Outings, Learning & Development Information Sessions along with opportunity for Information Sharing on national policies relevant to foster care. IFCA’s Branches and Hubs are supported in doing this by a team of volunteers dedicated to supporting foster carers.
IFCA Hub events are coordinated by IFCA’s Manager for Membership and Volunteers, informed and supported by IFCA staff and volunteers, whereas the IFCA Branches have their own locally based team of Branch Co-ordinator Volunteers who do all the planning and arranging of the local events. The IFCA admin team ensure all IFCA members are invited by email to the Branch/Hub events happening in their particular area.
The Branch Co-ordinators and Hub Volunteers have local knowledge and a strong commitment to support foster carers. Whether you attend a Branch or a Hub even you will be assured of a warm and friendly welcome! We encourage all foster carers to come along, regardless of whether you are a member of IFCA or not – these Branch and Hub events are an opportunity to meet with other foster carers/families and persons interested in foster care who are living in your county.
Details on how a Hub can become a Branch can be found here.
We are always keen to hear from persons across the country interested in becoming a Hub Volunteer in their local area- if that is you, you can get in touch by emailing volunteering@ifca.ie