Remarkable couple retire after 32 years of fostering

Listening to Noreen and Christy Kelleher, Cortober recall over 30 children they helped by fostering over their 32 years of service is humbling.
The couple have five children of their own and when their youngest child was just aged 6, they responded to an advert in the Leitrim Observer looking for foster carers.

“We first looked for easy children aged 6-12 years,” the pair laugh but their first foster child was a 15-year-old girl, who they are still very much in contact with this day. After fostering a few teenagers, they decided that they preferred teenagers, and despite a few hiccups over the years they stand over that decision.
Over 30 children spent time at the Kelleher's table over the past three decades, approx 14 of those were long term. “They never really left - as we still have most of them visiting, calling, part of our family,” Noreen says proudly.
Noreen and Christy learned early on to “keep the rules to a minimum” and to allow the child to slowly settle into foster life, but there were a few rules that could not be over looked and the most important one was Education.
The Kelleher's dedication to education is truly astounding.

They got grinds for children falling behind in school and in college and Noreen fondly recalls “sitting outside one girl's Leaving Cert Exams every day” to make sure she sat them!
Christy proudly reels off the number of foster children who went on to third level education, who got careers and who essentially made a good life for themselves.

The other rule which was unmovable was the use of phones/ devices/ Internet in bed. The Kellehers didn't allow gadgets in the bedroom and the result was the children tended to start reading or listening to music/ radio before bed.
Education was not just important for the children, Christy and Noreen have spent time and effort training and educating themselves over the years.
Noreen has a degree in Behavioural and Social Science and a diploma in Social Care. They have attended numerous workshops and training courses to give themselves the best chance to understand children and their behavioural / emotive issues. They were part of the Irish Foster Care Association and attended conferences all over the world, hosting a large event themselves in Carrick-on-Shannon in 2011.
The Kellehers said fostering while raising their own children worked well for them and the children have all remained friends through life.

When asked if it was tough to say goodbye to children who moved on, Noreen said, “It was at the start, but we learned that we never really lost them, they remained in contact.” Many of their foster children return “home” for Christmas or special occasions and one of their foster children is now a foster carer herself - a real circle of life moment for Noreen and Christy.
When asked what foster carers need to concentrate on, Noreen explained “We gave them security and safety and they probably got more than our own children from us, but I think it was that we were just there for them when they needed help.” There was a homemade dinner, a morning and nightly routine and “when they called we came.”
The pair said they always felt supported by TUSLA and when they needed help it was always provided.
A number of different nationalities and children with religious beliefs stayed with them and there was never any issues. The couple were always so supportive of children meeting with their parents and family as much as possible to keep that bond alive.
The Kellehers said it was not an easy decision to retire, “Age creeps up,” but one they felt they must make.
They said the whole experience has been rewarding and encourage anyone who is thinking about fostering to just do it!

Take the next step

Foster carers are a diverse group of people who can come from all walks of life: married, co habiting, single, same sex relationships, Traveller background, African or Eastern European origin, have a disability, as well as those who don't have a job currently, or who rent their home.
The most important aspect of being a foster carer is that they can provide a stable, nurturing and loving environment for children.
Foster carers must pass eligibility checks, i.e. garda vetting, child protection checks, medical, health and safety check of home.
There is pre-approval and post-approval training offered. Foster carers can avail of regular home visits, and telephone contact from an assigned fostering linkworker.
Each child in care has a social worker who visits the child and maintains a link with the child's birth family.
A Foster Care Allowance is provided and amedical card for the child and child benefit.
There is also a phone based support service out of hours to assist foster carers in the event of an emergency arising regarding a child in care.

4,124 TUSLA foster carers open their homes to 5,450 children across the country. There are currently 111 children in care in Sligo/Leitrim/West Cavan.

There are two online Fostering information events scheduled for March 23 at 11am and 7pm.
Take your first step by calling 1 800 226 771 or email tusla.fostering@tusla.ie and get an information pack to start the journey.

Leitrim Councillor Enda McGloin heading to NY for St Patrick's Day