Four Kilkenny sisters among those thanked at Croke Park event

Four sisters from Hugginstown were among those invited by Tusla to Croke Park yesterday for a special event to mark World Children’s Day.

The event, organised by Tusla Fostering, was to acknowledge the vital contribution the children of foster carers make to children in care.

Fifteen birth and adopted children were recognised and rewarded at the event for the very important role they play in their foster families, making children in care feel happier, safer and loved. The invitees included sisters Hannah Hogan (12), twins Beth and Michaela Hogan (13) and Rebecca Hogan (16).
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The Hogan sisters are also amongst a small group that have been working with Tusla on developing resources to support other children in similar families. They each received a thank you card and gift from Tusla CEO Kate Duggan, followed by a tour of Croke Park and the GAA museum, and lunch in the Croke Park Hotel.

The presentation was made by Maria McInness, National Lead Alternative Care Strategy for Tusla.
Across Ireland, 3,789 foster carers currently open their homes to 5,046 children where they are also supported and welcomed by an estimated 1,800 birth and adopted children. The card and gift that Hannah, Beth, Michael and Rebecca received will also be distributed to all 1,800 children before Christmas.

“For some people, the perceived negative impact on their children is a barrier to fostering," said Tusla CEO Kate Duggan.

"In reality, birth and adopted children can benefit from being part of the support network offered by a fostering family to a child in care. Our own feedback from foster families, and the children and young people who foster, indicates that seeing life from another’s perspective can be an enriching experience, helps a child learn and develop as an individual, and become a more empathetic person.”

As part of its current Fostering Strategy, Tusla has set up a variety of supports for children who live in families who foster, including peer support groups, summer events and digital resources.

For information on fostering, visit fostering.ie.