Care today,
Change tomorrow
Welcome to Five Rivers Fostering
Care Today,
Change Tomorrow
What is Fostering?
Individuals and families who are trained and approved to foster will welcome children and young people into their homes to be part of their families for the time that they are there.
Why Choose Five Rivers Fostering?
Founded in 2002, Five Rivers Fostering is the first independent fostering agency in Ireland, we recruit, train & support foster families from all over Ireland.
Already a Foster Carer?
Are you already approved as a Foster Carer? Five Rivers Fostering is also happy to welcome experienced foster Carers to our team. If you would like to find out more about Five Rivers Fostering please get in touch.
Ordinary People Doing Extraordinary Things
We have families from diverse backgrounds, married, single, same-sex couples, hetero couples, and from many parts of the world.
If you are caring and have a nurturing attitude towards young people and children, Fostering could be just for you too.
We Are With You Every Step of the Way
At Five Rivers Fostering we know that many people have worries and concerns but we want you to know that we are here to support you. We have a compassionate approach and are committed to making a positive difference in the lives of the children and families we serve. We promise to support you on this incredible journey by providing you with:
Tailored foster care support packages
Regular support visits to your home
A dedicated social worker
Access to multi-disciplinary team & supports
Check-in calls
Access to ongoing training
24 hour on-call services
Access to support groups
A monetary allowance
Opportunities to connect with other foster carers
Opportunities to engage in coffee mornings & family outings
Ready to Take the First Step and Find Out More Information?
If you are interested in becoming a Foster Carer and making a positive impact on the lives of children and young people, we are here to help. Schedule a consultation with one of our friendly and knowledgeable team members to learn more about the process. We will assist you in any way we can.

Our Leadership Team
Deirdre McDonagh
CEO/Managing Director
Brian Dignam
Director/Operations Manager
Cliona Davey
Principal Social Worker
Michelle Kennedy
Principal Social Worker (Munster Team)
Deborah Wilson
Principal Social Worker (West & Northwest Team)
Dr. Audrey Sheridan
Principal Clinical Psychologist/MDT Clinical Lead
Tracy Flood
Business Support & Finance Manager
Fostering Support
Five Rivers Fostering works closely with Tusla Child and Family Agency. Children who are placed with our families are referred by Tusla. We also work with some UK-based local authorities who have children/young people placed with relatives living in Ireland. As a national organisation, we have staff and foster families all over Ireland.
Dyadic Developmental Practice
Dyadic Developmental Practice is an all-encompassing approach that includes parenting and caring for children as well as therapy. It helps the professionals understand, work together with and be effective in their support of children and their families. It is a framework that allows integration of other important interventions also, for example, Filial Therapy, Theraplay etc.
Multidisciplinary Team
Our Multidisciplinary team aims to promote relationships and wellbeing for carers and young people by providing a range of in-house supports. Through our multidisciplinary team, we provide support to young people themselves/ to Foster carers as well as to the young person’s professional network. Please click on the tabs below for more information.
What’s New at Five Rivers Fostering?
Ready To Apply?
Use our online form to apply or call us and we’ll guide you through