Ms Heather O'Shea:

In or around 70% of the women attending the service have at least one child in the care of Tusla. We have done a huge amount in initially building a relationship with Tusla. A lot of the mothers coming through the door now are prepared for meetings. We have child protection case conferences and the mothers are coming through. They are prepared and empowered to speak for themselves. We have done bits around role-play and communication skills. With our support, the women are at a point now to advocate for themselves and their children and for their role in their children’s lives when they have a child in care.

In a way, there is an understanding of the different orders, what they mean and their rights as a mother, particularly with regard to foster care and adoptions and what that looks like. We have had quite a positive response. The women have said that they now have a more positive relationship with Tusla with regard to the care of their children. They feel a bit more heard than they did in the past.