Fostering First Annual Report 2023

About our companies

Fostering First Ireland has been operating in Ireland since 2005. In that time, the company has established itself as the leading independent provider of fostering families to Tusla, The Child and Family Agency. FFI specialise in recruiting, training and supporting foster carers who provide placements for children in the foster care system.

Our sister company, Key Assets Consulting have been operating in Ireland since 2018. Since then, the company has expanded their experienced multidisciplinary team and offers an array of high quality assessment and consulting services including parental capacity assessments, assessment of need, psychology services, independent case reviews and assess my child clinics.

Our Pledges

Children & Families

1. Set high standards

2. Accept you for who you are

3. Prioritise your safety

4. Be passionate

5. Listen and learn

Customers & Staff

1. Deliver excellence

2. Be honest and transparent

3. Deliver innovativating services cost effectively

4. Keep our promises

Communities

1. Be socially responsible

2. Value diversity and inclusion

3. Be creative and flexible

4. Recruit and retain the best people

5. Conduct business with financial integrity

5. Contribute to shared learning

Our Culture & Core Values

Key to what we do is our culture and our core values of:

⊲ recognising everybody counts and is accountable

⊲ providing high quality and safe services

⊲ achieving excellence through continuous improvement

⊲ cultivating knowledge, innovation and learning

Our Purpose

“Our purpose is to achieve positive and lasting outcomes for children, families and communities”

We will achieve our purpose by positively impacting the lives of children, young people, their families and carers through quality services and expert advice designed to provide support, build confidence, improve skills, develop relationships, and strengthen resilience.

Director’s Notes: Marie Faughey

Welcome to the 2023 Annual Report for Fostering First Ireland (FFI) and Key Assets Consulting. (KAC). I am happy to report that 2023 was a year where both companies celebrated many achievements and increases in business opportunities.

It was really uplifting to receive full compliance against the assessed standards following a HIQA inspection in Mid February. The inspection was conducted with a focus on children’s rights. The inspectors found that FFI took the promotion of Children’s Rights seriously and actively promoted participation. The young people they spoke with were positive about their placements and said they felt part of the family. It was very encouraging that external professionals also reported positive engagement and reported that working relationships were collaborative and child focused. As the Director of FFI I am very proud of the quality of care provided by our amazing Foster Carers, that children are protected and feel safe in placement and the support provided by every member of the FFI team.

FFI continued to increase the number of areas where Section 36 assessments and Foster Carer Reviews are undertaken on behalf of Tusla.

The promotion of young people’s rights was further endorsed when FFI received the Investing in Children Membership Award and in December FFI received a bronze award from the Investing in Children Organisation.

Throughout 2023 we also navigated many challenges particularly inflationary pressures which impacted on the cost of doing business. Like many others in the sector, we are experiencing a decrease in the number of families who wish to foster which unfortunately is a continuing global trend. It was heart warming that

the government recognised the work of Foster Carers and increased the fostering allowance in the Budget in October 2023 which will have impact across 2024.

I am glad these challenges have not detracted either company from staying true to our core values and beliefs and to continually strive for positive outcomes for children, families, and communities. In the past year Key Assets Consulting has continued to grow a reputation for high quality assessments for children and families. In 2023 Key Assets Consulting won a number of contracts for disability assessments and increased the range of assessment services provided to TuslaThe Child and Family Agency.

The following pages will showcase our operational highlights, our organisational performance and the impact that we are making on the lives of children.

As ever, I am mindful and grateful to everyone who has played a role in helping us to make these differences. It could not be achieved without the support of our amazing fostering families, our supportive staff, and our wider partners and communities. In 2024 I look forward to our continued collaboration to help shape brighter futures for the children and families we serve.

Your opinion matters and is important to us. If you would like to engage with FFI or KAC on anything in this report or related to our service, please get in contact.

With best wishes,

Director Fostering First Ireland and Key Assets Consulting

Success Stories

Independence Retreat

Our annual Independence Retreat took place in August with 9 young people attending the 4 day, 3 night event. The retreat consisted of a series of workshops and activities related to independent living and was designed to be a support to young people aged 16+ as they prepare for leaving care and transitioning to independence. Over the course of the retreat topics covered included budgeting, emotional well-being, healthy relationships, and diet and nutrition. The young people put their knowledge into practice by budgeting and shopping for the ingredients for our meals and then preparing the meals each evening. An advocate from EPIC attended the retreat to discuss the role of EPIC with the young people and how EPIC can support them while in care and on leaving care. Positive feedback was received from the young people about the retreat and we look forward to holding our next retreat in 2024!

Adam’s Story

Adam is a 16 year old young man who has been in foster care with FFI carers the Mespil family for over 4 years now. Adam suffered from a rare medical condition which severely impacted his mobility and bone formation. The medical prognosis was not good and if the correct medical care was not administered Adam would lose his ability to walk within a few years. The Mespil family and Adam have showed incredible endurance and resilience, Adam has undergone 11 surgeries and the Mespil family have supported him through months of aftercare, medical appointments, and treatment plans. Adam is now a strong fine young man, his medical prognosis is entirely different, he is in school and studying barbering and remains a loved and cherished member of the Mespil family. This year alone he has been voted president of St Vincent de Paul, class prefect and class representative for student council.

Amy placed with The Walsh Family

by Margaret Conroy, Link Social Worker

Amy was placed with the Walsh family in 2007 and lived with them until 2013, when she moved to independent living. This was one of the most settled placements that I had encountered at that time and there were regular conversations about how well Amy had settled into the Walsh household. What worked well back then was the foster carers ability to merge the birth and foster families in a way that was respectful to both. This was highlighted over those years by access visits taking place within the foster home and Amy’s continuing bond with her siblings. All of this was possible by the careful nurturing of significant relationships. A good example of this was Amy’s 18th birthday party where the birthday cake was jointly carried out by Amy’s sister and Deirdre, her foster carer.

Since moving out of the home, Amy has maintained contact with the Walsh family. She joins the family on all significant occasions – Christmas, birthdays, holidays, family events etc. When Amy was living with the family she always joked with Willie that he would walk her down the aisle. Amy had a long standing relationship with her boyfriend Donie and no opportunity was missed by the Walsh’s to slag him about when he would get round to proposing to Amy. Propose he did, in his own time, and the wedding took place on Dec 1st 2023. The wedding was held in the family’s local parish church. Willie Walsh did walk her down the aisle.

Her bridesmaids included her birth family, the girls in the household at the time –both birth and fostered, and her flower girls were the two daughters of another young person (bridesmaid) placed alongside Amy all those years ago. If ever there was an image that spoke a thousand words, it is forever captured in the wedding photos taken on that day.

It has been a pleasure to be part of that journey with both the foster family and young people placed in this household. These are the moments that make us realise the significance of a secure and loving home for young people in care. Fostering rarely ends when young people reach the age of 18.

FFI Carer Satisfaction Survey

Feedback from carers surveyed:

“FFI are an excellent agency. They offer fantastic support”

“Our LSW has been great and always there when we need them. Our therapist is excellent” “Someone is always there when you need them, out of hours and on weekends”

“I love chatting with my therapist, attending carers group, talking to my Link Social Worker, and just knowing there’s support on the other end of the phone”

“Support is always available, my Link Worker is amazing and has been so helpful in every aspect”

“The support we have received has been phenomenal”

“I always recommend FFI to anyone looking to start the fostering journey, one of the biggest points I make is the supports we all receive, from us as adults, to birth children to children in care. I love how the staff interact with you with no judgement. They are accepting and understanding of hard days, messy days and make you feel normal for having these ups and downs. I think the support for the children is amazing and the acknowledgement for their achievements as individuals.”

87 %

think their Link Social Worker is either very or extremely supportive.

86 % have attended a carer group.

93 % are satisfied or very satisfied with the way FFI values them.

81 % have availed of training in the last year.

94 % are satisfied or very satisfied with the carer training provided.

96 % said their LSW was usually or always empathetic.

93 % said they are satisfied or very satisfied with Fostering First Ireland.

82 % are satisfied or very satisfied with the new foster carer app.

Children’s Participation

Birth Children Groups

In 2023, FFI’s online Birth Children groups continued to grow. We hosted four fun activity groups online throughout the year and invited all birth children in FFI aged 8-14. These meet ups were a welcoming space for both familiar faces and newcomers alike. FFI’s birth children groups are a great way for children who foster to connect with other birth children who are part of a foster family. These fun groups afford birth children with a space that is their own, the opportunity to make new friends, and the assurance that FFI recognises and values their integral role in a foster family. Themed around festive occasions such as Easter, Halloween, and Christmas, our groups offered a range of enjoyable activities, including games, quizzes, arts & crafts, and the creation of some tasty snacks! We look forward to continuing our fun groups in 2024.

Chatter Matters

Chatter Matters is FFI’s young people’s forum. It is a space for young people in care in FFI to come together, share ideas and ensure their voice is being heard in FFI about how to improve the service we provide. Chatter Matters had an exciting year of growth in 2023. For the first time, we invited young people in FFI aged 1214 to create their own Chatter Matters group before transitioning to the older group when they turn 15. This group had their first in-person meeting in 2023; lots of fun was had and friendships were made! The 12-14 group is beginning to grow and we look forward to welcoming new members in 2024!

Our 15-18 year old members had an exciting beginning to the year, securing the Investing in Children Award Membership in February. We then said goodbye to these members as they moved onto aftercare, college and apprenticeships. We would like to thank them for all of their work in Chatter Matters since 2020 and wish them the best of luck in the future.

Investing in Children’s Membership –Bronze Award

We are very proud to say that in October 2023, FFI’s Chatter Matters group was awarded the Bronze Award for successfully achieving 3 years consecutive membership with Investing in Children. Members with Investing in Children are those services that have demonstrated a commitment to dialogue with young people that has lead to change. Well done Chatter Matters!

Summer Event

In July we hosted a fun event for our foster families at Alive Outside at Kilruddery! While the older children took part in an obstacle course challenge around the grounds, the smaller children took off on a treasure hunt and nature walk. Despite the rain everyone had a great time with happy memories made and new friendships formed.

Education

Pre-School and School Placements Year End 2023

Leaving Cert

Leaving Cert students all received an information booklet at the beginning of 5th year giving lots of tips and advice on how to manage the 2 years of the Leaving Cert, visiting colleges and making plans for what options to pursue next and exam focused information during 6th year.

A Leaving Cert Mindfulness Workshop was offered to students in 5th year and above (Leaving Cycle) to look at ways to support them through the Leaving Cert and creating good self-care habits in to adulthood. All students in 5th and 6th year received a Mindfulness Toolkit.

A Skills Workshop was delivered to young people aged over 16 attending the Independence Retreat in August 2023. The Skills Workshop covered educational needs post 16, understanding banking, bills and medical needs, managing college and leaving care.

In June 2023, 11 young people successfully attained their Junior Cert and 4 young people completed their Leaving Certs, 1 completed LCA.

3 young people went on to 3rd level education to study for their degrees.

Junior Cert

All Junior Cert students received a Junior Cert booklet of information at the beginning of Autumn term.

Over the year 3 young people availed of one to one support including in person visits from the Education Service and one other student availed of group sessions. The 3 young people availing of one to one support focused on exam management, supporting mental health and stress and study support.

11 young people successfully achieved their Junior Certificate.

Transition to Secondary School Programme

There was lovely engagement in 2023 with the Transition to Secondary School Programme from both carers and young people. We met the 6th class students in person and together created a time capsule of hopes and dreams for their next year in secondary school and had a fun morning bowling to get to know the young people. This group continued to get together during their 1st year of secondary school. There was good feedback around the transition to secondary toolkit from both carers and young people.

Mindfulness Summer Camps

The programme focused on understanding feelings and emotions, visiting and learning ways to mange those big feelings. The 2 days consisted of yoga, meditation, craft and storytimes. 6 children attended the camps aged between 4 and 9. The participating children had a great time and really enjoyed the camps. It has been proven that mindfulness and listening to stories helps to repair a child’s brain from the impacts of trauma. The Education Service will continue to develop mindfulness camps and deliver storytime going forward.

In advance of the mindfulness camps the children’s carers attended a carer workshop to support their own mental health, to understand what the children would be learning and how to bring mindfulness tools in to everyday life to support regulation and co-regulation.

As research continues to promote the benefits of mindfulness for children impacted by trauma, the service continues to develop ways of introducing mindfulness into everyday life to support growth and learning.

Sten Analysis 2023

From Sten analysis carried out in 2023 there are now definitive results that primary school aged children are experiencing difficulties in Maths and English due to the trauma they have experienced impacting executive and adaptive functioning whilst their brains remain in high arousal of fight or flight.

The Sten analysis was presented to the Carer Consultation Group and shared with staff and carers.

Engagement with the service

The Education Service throughout 2023 continued to have significant involvement with school placements of primary school aged children with many issues arising in schools, including trauma behaviours, educational attainment, social understanding and homework issues. The Education Service will continue to develop initiatives to support children in this age range and their carers, to look at early intervention, as well as offering continued support to secondary school placements.

FFI Referrals & Placement Info 2023

On the back of an unprecedented volume of referrals in 2022, we took the decision to not log anonymised referrals that we had no options for in 2023. While this led to a significant reduction in referrals logged for the year, demand for foster placements remains at an all-time high. The number of logged referrals for 2023 was 573 and referrals were received from all Tusla areas nationally.

Referrals Per Year

⊲ The average age of children referred to FFI in 2023 was 9.8 years and the average age of a child placed was 6.9 years. The gender breakdown of referrals was 48% female and 52% male.

⊲ The most common age group referred was 14 years (40 times) and we managed to place 3 young people from this age profile.

⊲ 65% of young people placed with FFI in 2023, were still in the care of FFI families at the beginning of 2024.

⊲ In 2023, FFI placed children who were referred from the following Tusla areas; Carlow/Kilkenny/South Tipperary, Dublin North City, Dublin North, Dublin South Central, Dublin South West/ Kildare/West Wicklow, Dublin South East/Wicklow, Galway/Roscommon,

Kerry, Midlands, Midwest, and Wexford/ Waterford.

⊲ FFI had 27 children in placement with bespoke or enhanced placement packages by the end of 2023. Without these types of placements being sustained the likelihood would be that these children would require residential, special care or would experience a further placement breakdown.

⊲ There were 59 placement ends across 2023, 17 more than in 2022. Over 28% of ends in 2023 returned to the care of their family.

⊲ At the end of 2023, 78% of all FFI placements were over one year in duration and 58% of all placements were over two years in duration.

General Feedback: Fostering First

Young people on Chatter Matters

“Normally if you have an idea that would benefit the organisation, they take it forward.”

“FFI is very aware of things and constantly looking at how to improve things.”

“Supportive – Giving you opportunities to be part of Chatter Matters and have your voice heard, a place to meet and discuss things.”

“Belonging – It feels good being around people with the same experiences and being able to relate.”

“Inclusive – They usually ask our opinion on everything going forward. They can relate to us and are very diverse.”

Carer on Summer Event

“We had a blast. The kiddies were talking about it until bedtime!”

Young people on the Independence Retreat

“Really nice, helped boost confidence, loved meeting nice honest people.”

“I learned a little bit more about myself. I don’t know if that counts as learning!”

Tusla Customer Survey Feedback

”I always receive a prompt response from the placement team in FFI.”

”FFI have a longevity of service in Ireland –Excellent Reputation”

Carer on Social Care Worker

“You do your work with great positive energy and empathy. FFI are very lucky to have you and so are we.”

“I loved it when we got into groups and went shopping. I also loved playing games and doing the Scavenger Hunt.”

“The FFI Director is extremely child centred and flexible to individual needs.”

“The team at Fostering First are child centred in their work by supporting and guiding foster carers.”

“FFI are approachable, confident, helpful and know their carers well.”

Director’s Notes: Sarah Treacy

As we reflect on 2023 at KAC, what strikes me most is that despite the significant operational challenges, KAC consistently achieved high quality outcomes.

Across all our services (i.e., for Children in Care, for HSE Disability and for private families) our client feedback ratings show that KAC achieved an overall service satisfaction rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars and the satisfaction rating reported by parents and stakeholders regarding their clinical team was also 4.7 out of 5 stars. This was achieved thanks to the incredible staff and clinicians who we are so grateful to work with. It takes a team that truly cares about the children and families we work with to deliver this level of quality in what are often very complex circumstances.

The shortage of qualified psychologists, speech and language therapists and occupational therapists to meet the needs within communities continued to be an obstacle throughout 2023 and this impacted on growth. However, in the face of this recruitment challenge, KAC adapted and nonetheless achieved a 34% increase in the number of assessments/ cases completed compared to 2022. KAC further improved operational processes which led to a 13% increase in the number of referrals that were converted and received KAC supports.

KAC was also successful in developing new service contracts, having won tender processes for Assessment of Need and Disability related multidisciplinary services.

In addition, we expanded the provision of independent social work services and are continuing to grow our S20/S12 assessment service for Tusla.

We were delighted to partner with the Cambridge Attachment Centre (under the direction of Dr Ben Grey) and brought specialist attachment assessment training direct to our clinicians. In 2023 we

completed Levels 1-3 of the Meaning of the Child certified training and also delivered the introductory training on the CAPA with further specialist modules planned for 2024.

Much like every household felt a pinch in their pockets with rising costs, KAC faced rising operational costs requiring several restructuring measures to ensure quality services continue to be delivered. Despite the obstacles, KAC remains committed to delivering the best possible services and it is down to the expertise, creativity, commitment and care of our staff and clinical team that we continue to achieve positive outcomes. Of course, there will always be things we as a team can improve upon and we will continue to keep our eyes and ears open for meaningful ways to improve outcomes for our clients.

I’d like to conclude with feedback we received this year from the parent of one little girl who attended KAC for a multidisciplinary assessment and supports, when invited to share feedback about their experience her Mum wrote:

“I have nothing bad to say at all. The facilities were lovely and the staff where absolutely AMAZING!! My daughter loved coming in for her assessment because she was so excited to see the staff who were so lovely to her and myself. We were always greeted with smiling faces, asked if we wanted water etc. and always had time for a chat with both of us. The toys in the waiting area were a big hit as well. It was so easy. As a parent with all these appointments I didn’t “dread” coming in for appointments with KAC. The staff were so friendly and helpful and answered any questions I had”

With best wishes,

Operational Director – Key Assets Consulting

KAC Acheivements & Highlights

KAC was successful in tendering for the provision of Multidisciplinary children’s services to HSE –ranking 2nd in the HSE’s Assessment of Need Tender.

KAC provided clinical services for 267 families in 2023.

KAC’s referral conversion rate grew from 35% in 2022 to 48% overall in 2023.

There was a 34% increase in the total number of clinical assessment cases completed in 2023 compared to 2022 (Psychology, Speech and Language, OT).

Developed an online induction programme for new Psychologists, SLTs, Social Workers and OTs joining our consulting teams.

KAC completed 104 Child Autism assessments. Maintained a reputation for high quality service provision while increasing the scale of services provided.

Operations Overview in 2023; 31% Private 14% Disability 55% Childcare

Introduced specialist training in Attachment assessments in partnership with Dr Ben Grey, of Cambridge Attachment Matters; KAC consultants completed the Meaning of The Child Training programme.

General Feedback: Key Assets Consulting

Parental Feedback

“Couldn’t recommend enough to anyone who is looking for their child to be assessed. Was very professional, staff are very welcoming and outstanding couldn’t be any happier I went here for my daughter’s assessment.”

“It was very professional, open and helpful. Empathy shown to both myself and my child, also that I was listened to and believed.”

“I was extremely happy with the entire experience. Myself and my child were treated respectfully and given the time and understanding that we needed throughout the process. The KAC team were very patient and respectful. The assessment was carried out in a very efficient manner and we received our report exactly when we were told we would.”

“My interaction with KAC from start to finish was just fantastic. My son saw Mary for his assessment and she instantly put him at ease. The feedback given to both him and us as parents was clear and concise with good follow up. Thank you for providing such a great service. Friendly professional staff. Please keep doing what you are doing.”

“The staff at Key Assets really helped our daughter feel comfortable when we arrived for our appointment. They had some activities set up for her and gave her a teddy and some bubbles on her way home which made her day”

2023 in Photos

WESTMEATH OFFICE

Forest Park

Global House Unit 7B

Mullingar Co. Westmeath

DUBLIN OFFICE

Grantham House

Grantham Street

Dublin 8 D08 W8HD

Tel: (01) 417 1944

CORK OFFICE

Unit 4, Millview Road

Victoria Cross Cork T12 E9CN