Minister Foley welcomes launch of new Tusla National Counselling Service for Foster Carers
- Published on: 1 May 2026
- Last updated on: 1 May 2026
Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley has welcomed the launch of an independent national counselling service for foster carers, which goes live today.
The LENA service, which is being rolled out by Tusla, enables foster carers to access a wellness hub including one-to-one counselling sessions free of charge, provided by independent and suitably qualified professionals. This allows carers to seek help with guaranteed confidentiality and privacy, without needing to go through their link workers or social workers, thereby encouraging early engagement with support services.
Under the service, foster carers will be entitled to up to six counselling sessions in each 12-month period, though additional supports may be provided in circumstances where longer-term needs are identified.
Counselling sessions will be available to all foster carers, as well as their children over the age of 16, and can be accessed in person, by telephone or online. Foster carers can request access to the service on their own behalf or can be referred with their consent by their social work team.
Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley, said:
“Foster carers and their families play an invaluable role in the lives of the children in their care. It is vital that they are facilitated with the resources they need to feel equipped to provide a safe home for some of the most vulnerable children in the State.
The new counselling service offers foster carers access to independent and confidential counselling supports, guided by trauma-informed practices and professionals in a safe and accessible environment. This is a great opportunity to truly give foster carers access to supports that they may need.”
Jacqueline Smyth, Tusla Fostering’s national lead for foster care, commented:
“This is an important development for foster carers. While the supports provided through Tusla are essential, having an independent service like LENA offers an additional confidential layer of support that is separate from the care system. Our foster carers have discussed the need for a service such as this, and we are delighted to be able to provide it. It means foster carers can access help when they need it in a way that feels safe and accessible”.
“Foster carers give so much of themselves to support children and young people. Having a confidential, independent counselling service like LENA mean they can access support in their own time, on their own terms, and with complete peace of mind. On behalf of Tusla Fostering, I thank the Minister for funding this service."
The establishment of the new service reflects contemporary practice and knowledge surrounding the delivery of trauma-informed therapeutic supports.
Foster care is the bedrock of our alternative care system, with 3,782 people on the panel of approved foster carers as of Q4 2025. 88% of children in state care in Ireland are living with a loving foster family.
Anyone interested in becoming a foster carer is encouraged to contact Tusla on tusla.fostering@tusla.ie or by phone on 1800 226 771.
Notes to editors
- The rollout of the service is being carried out by Tusla and is funded by the Dormant Accounts Fund (DAF), through which €300,000 was allocated for the purpose of foster care counselling and psychological supports this year.
- The measure, as set out in the DAF Action Plan 2026, aims to help foster carers and children in care, whilst informing future service provision of counselling and psychological supports.
- Lena (by Inspire) is an independent mental health and wellbeing support service which offers a number of supports including confidential counselling.
- The establishment of the service reflects contemporary practice and knowledge surrounding the delivery of trauma-informed therapeutic supports, provided by suitably qualified professionals.
- The service is open to any and all foster carers (and their children over 16, with parental consent) who can access one-to-one supports independently and confidentially, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, upon any welfare issue raised by the client.
- The LENA contact number is 1800 817433.
