"It is imperative that foster families receive the supports that they deserve." That's according to Sinn Fein's Sean Conlon who has called on Monaghan County Council to support the Irish Foster Care Association (IFAC) in its appeal to the Department of Children to address the "significant financial hardship" being experienced by foster families.
Cllr Conlon believes the current level of financial support provided to foster families is "insufficient" in order to meet the increasing costs associated with caring for foster children.
Speaking to Northern Sound, the local representative says it's important to "alleviate" the current financial strain on foster families. As a result, he is calling on the Minister for Children, Roderic O'Gorman and the government to "urgently engage" with the IFCA to address such concerns. He added that the "invaluable contribution" made by foster families must be acknowledged.
"The families who take on the role of being a foster parent are no different to any other household this year who have faced considerable financial challenges regarding the running of households," explained Cllr Conlon. "However, this has not been acknowledged by the Department of Children in their financial supports that they provide to foster care families."
