In this episode of the podcast Niamh talks to Sadie Harpur, author of The Hidden World of a Foster-Girl (co-written with journalist and author Jackie Hayden). Sadie talks about her experience in infancy of undergoing multiple moves in care, her relationships with her twin sister Kizzy and her birth- and foster-families, and some of the turning points and people that brought stability to her life. The Hidden World of a Foster Girl is available to buy at Bridge Street books, Wicklow town, Hampton’s bookshop, Donnybrook, Dublin 4. And in local bookshops in Maynooth, Wexford town, Gorey, Enniscor ..read more

Our guests on the twelfth episode of the Stories from Foster Care podcast are Josie Corr and Thomas Monahan, a foster carer and her now-adult foster son who join Andrew Murphy over Zoom. In a reflective and honest conversation they talk to Andrew about their lives together in fostering. Among other topics, they explore the importance of understanding the system so that children in care can access the full range of supports available to them, especially regarding aftercare. About the podcast – Stories from Foster Care is brought to you by the Irish Foster Care Association in association with t ..read more

In this episode of Stories from Foster Care, Niamh sits down with social worker Sola Mobolaji and family support worker Doris Abuchi-Ogbonda to talk about how foster carers and others can support African children in care. Together they explore the experiences of unaccompanied minors and the challenges for young people of navigating the asylum process. They look at how Irish people might have viewed African children in the past, how present-day racism affects children in care and their caregivers, and the importance of cultural awareness in caring for children from African countries. Resources ..read more

Lisa Clancy In this episode of Stories from Foster Care, Andrew Murphy talks to Lisa Clancy. Lisa and her family are fostering three children with disabilities. Lisa gives a powerful insight into the ups and downs of the day-to-day experiences of fostering and she shines a light on just what it takes to care for children with disabilities in Ireland. In an honest and inspiring conversation, she describes the often arduous process of advocating for the support needs of her foster children.. About the podcast – Stories from Foster Care is a podcast brought to you by The Irish Foster Care Associa ..read more

Daniele Douglas, left, with Niamh Barrett In this episode of Stories from Foster Care, Niamh Barrett of IFCA talks to Dr Danielle Douglas. Danielle is a care-experienced academic and researcher at the South East Technological University, and a former relative foster carer who reflects on a lifetime of experience of the care system in Ireland from all of these perspectives. Her story is wide-ranging and powerful. It includes a brief mention of suicide at approximately 18 minutes. About the podcast – Stories from Foster Care is a podcast brought to you by The Irish Foster Care Association. Join ..read more

Catherine Joyce On the latest episode of Stories from Foster Care Niamh Barrett talks to Catherine Joyce. For over 35 years Catherine has been a member of the Irish Traveller’s human rights movement. She’s also a theatre-maker and collaborator. She is a strong advocate for the rights of Traveller children, including Traveller children in care, and has been a foster carer herself. She speaks about how important it is to preserve the dual identity of Traveller children in care and she calls for good quality education about Traveller cultural identities to be rolled out across the care system. Ab ..read more

L to R: Michael Shannon & Harold Barber with host, Andrew Murphy In this latest episode of Stories from Foster Care, Andrew Murphy talks to Harold Barber and Michael Shannon about their experiences of coming into fostering as a gay couple, and about fostering separated young people who come to Ireland as migrants. In a wide-ranging chat, they speak compassionately and honestly about some of the challenges and the joys of supporting separated young people. About the podcast – Stories from Foster Care is a podcast brought to you by The Irish Foster Care Association. Join host Niamh Barrett a ..read more

Niamh Barrett and Paul Harrison Paul Harrison has occupied roles in the care system in Ireland for decades, ranging from working as a social worker in child protection in the Eastern Health Board to management in Tusla—Child and Family Agency. In our conversation he talked about some of the experiences that have stayed with him over the years, some of which are included in his book, Hanged if you do. He spoke passionately about the need to go back to basics in the child protection system and about what he would like to see happen in the foster care system in the future. About the podcast – Sto ..read more

L to R: Ric Panza and Raymond Nolan In this episode of Stories from Foster Care, Andrew Murphy of IFCA talks to members of the fostering community whose voices sometimes go unheard – foster fathers. Andrew talks to Ric Panza and Raymond Nolan about what drew them to fostering, how years of experience have changed their perception of the foster carers’ role, and what the challenges and joys of being a foster father are. About the podcast – Stories from Foster Care is a podcast brought to you by The Irish Foster Care Association. Join host Niamh Barrett as she meets people from all walks of life ..read more

L to R: Sandra Parker with Niamh Barrett Our guest on the fourth episode of the Stories from Foster Care podcast is Sandra Parker, a foster carer who is now also working with Tusla—Child and Family Agency to train other prospective foster carers. Sandra, from Clonmel in Tipperary, is from a family of foster carers (two of her three sisters also foster). She shares stories and insights from 21 years of fostering: who her early role model of care was, what inspired her to begin, what the challenges and rewards have been, and what anyone thinking about fostering needs to know. About the podcast ..read more