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Membership of IFCA

Why become a member of the Irish Foster Care Association?

By your membership of the IFCA, you are joining others interested in working for the best interests of children in care.

Legislation policies, standards of practice, all ultimately affect the child in our care. As responsible workers and carers, it is essential that we are, at the very least, aware of these effects. As a member of IFCA, you will have a strong voice in influencing improvements in the quality of fostercare.

What does IFCA offer me?

  • Support

  • Information

  • Training & Training Materials

  • Independent mediation

  • Independent confidential support where an allegation is made

  • Seminars and conferences

  • Videos

  • Newsletters

  • Publications

  • Public Liability insurance for activities  organised by affiliated IFCA branches

  • Legal Expenses Insurance for foster families against whom an allegation of abuse is made.

How do I join the Irish Foster Care Association?

Membership of IFCA is open to individuals, groups or societies:

  1. Involved with children who are in the care of the HSE

  2. Who's aims and policies are compatible with those of IFCA

  3. In related academic fields.

There are 3 membership categories:

i. Individual:

An Individual Member is an individual, over eighteen years of age, who has paid their subscription. An Individual membership entitles an individual to one vote.

ii. Family:

A Family membership is open to any family group, one of whom shall be over eighteen, who have paid their subscription.  It includes all members of a family permanently residing in the family home. Family membership entitles the family to two votes. The persons to exercise this right shall be over eighteen years of age, nominated by the family and be placed on a register of voters at time of joining or renewal of membership of the Company.

iii. Group

Group membership is open to any group involved in child care, which has paid its subscription. It includes all residents and employees of the group, one of whom shall be over eighteen. The Group membership entitles this group to two votes. The persons to exercise this right shall be over eighteen years of age, nominated by the group and be placed on a register of voters at time of joining or renewal of membership of the Company.

Membership may be paid by direct debit through your bank or directly to the address at the end of the Membership form.  Please do not send cash through the post.