About Five Rivers Ireland

A few words from our Director:

A Chairde,

It’s hard to believe that ten years ago Five Rivers Ireland started the journey of becoming the first independent fostering agency to operate in the Republic of Ireland.  When I started the Euro was in its infancy and Ireland had just been knocked out of the world cup!!   Ireland has a strong tradition of caring and I had the opportunity to work with some amazing young people, foster families and social workers before joining Five Rivers Ireland.   With guidance and support from Five Rivers Child Care in the UK, we set about building an organisation with strong values at the core.  

As a Social Enterprise Five Rivers Ireland has the values of equality, respect and a belief in the potential of individuals, be they children and young people, staff or our wonderful foster families. With these values at the core we have expanded our training department and have a full time Training and Development Leader in Fiona Murphy.   Staff and the families are reaping the benefits of this.   We are also committed to supporting families in ensuring that young people’s educational needs are met.  At the heart of Five Rivers Ireland is a belief in working from a feelings base. Helping children, young people families and staff to identify, understand and respond to our feelings in a positive way.  The importance of play and fun are at the core of Five Rivers Ireland.   

Over the years we have grown both in size and reputation.  We are currently providing foster care for over 80 children and young people from many different backgrounds.  We have over 65 amazing foster families and are always looking for more!  We were very proud to open our Cork Office in 2011 with Michelle Kennedy as team leader.  Our wonderful and dedicated staff team is at 18 altogether now.  We have always worked in partnership and alongside the HSE and other organisations that work with children and young people.  Even with all the challenges that child protection and welfare services have faced over the last few years there is no doubting the commitment of the social work teams who are continuing to work to promote the welfare and safety of children.   Five Rivers Ireland has built a reputation as a provider of high quality foster families with a “can do” attitude.

 It has been a pleasure to be at the heart of Five Rivers Ireland’s growth.  I never cease to be filled with admiration for the courage and strength of the children and young people as well as the foster families that we are privileged to know.  2012 marks the celebration of Five Rivers Ireland’s 10th Birthday.   I would like to thank all the young people who contributed to our beautiful calendar for 2012, and some of the art work from the calendar can also be seen on our website.   In 2012, we also look forward to expanding the service we offer to children in care, with the beginning of our Enhanced Foster Care Service, for children and young people who are ready to make the transition from residential care to foster care.

For anyone considering fostering, I would encourage you to complete an online application or contact one of our duty social workers at the main Dublin office.
For professionals looking for more information on our services, you can also download our brochure or contact our Dublin or Cork offices to speak directly to one of our social workers.

Deirdre McDonagh
Director