National Conference 2010


The National conference and training weekend will be held in the Castlecourt Hotel, Westport Co. Mayo on November 5th 6th 7th. www.castlecourthotel.ie This hotel was chosen because its child friendly facilities.

This is our third time hosting the National Conference. We hosted our first conference in Westport in 1987. The second in Breaffy House Castlebar in 1997.

We will endeavor to provide members with a relaxed, informative, and family orientated weekend giving you time to renew old friendships and hopefully make some new ones.

    The Theme of the Conference is “Caring For the Family”

In planning the workshops we will cover as many subjects as we can that effect the whole Family.

There is a direct train link to Westport with three trains each way per day, a bus service is also available.

Our children’s committee is putting a full programme of events together combining activities, fun and entertainment.

Looking forward to meeting you in Westport.

Eugene Flynn
Chairman (Organising Committee)



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Conference Updates
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Conference Overnight Package Sold-Out

October 17th, 2010

The Conference package in The Castlecourt and the kids club is now full.

There are some places available as Day Attenders - you can book using the normal booking form (mark it day-attender).

Send it to: Deirdre Diskin, Killinaugher, Ballyhaunis, Co.Mayo. Please enclose Cheque or PO for €60.00 payable to Mayo Foster Care. If you wish to attend the Gala Banquet the tickets cost €55.00.


Conference Booking Form

August 18th, 2010

The booking form for the 2010 National Conference is now available for download here.


Robert Mizzell to Play at Conference

August 13th, 2010

Robert Mizzell and his band, The Country Kings, will be playing at the Gala Banquet and Dinner Dance on the Saturday night of the Conference, November 6th.

Find out more about Robert at his website RobertMizzell.com



Launch Photos Online

July 27th, 2010

There are a selection of photos from the National Conference 2010 launch in the Castlecourt Hotel Westport on Tuesday 20th July in our National Conference Launch Photo album .


Conference Brochure Available

July 26th, 2010

The official brochure for the 2010 National Conference is now available for download here.


The National Conference Launch

July 26th, 2010

The National Conference of The Irish Foster Care Association was launched by Robert Mizzell Country and Western Singer in the Castlecourt Hotel Westport on Tuesday night 20th July. Robert spoke about the wonderful effects that Foster Care had on his life, he ... Read Full Article


More Details on Jane Asquith

June 23rd, 2010

Our Plenary Speaker at this year's National Conference, Jane Asquith, is an Independant Consultant and Trainer specialising in the development and management of Fostering and Adoption Services. She has 25 years' experience as a foster carer in the UK and is a qualified social worker and manager.

Jane has worked in the field for over 35 years. During her years in Family Placement she has developed a specialist placement scheme for teenagers. She went on to serve as a Director and Vice Cha ... Read Full Article


Jane Asquith Announced as Plenary Speaker

May 17th, 2010

Jane Asquith is to be the Plenary Speaker at this year's National Conference. She is an independent International consultant and trainer specialising in fostering and adoption and has worked for BAAF UK

Jane is a social worker and manager with 35 years experience in the field including 25 years as a foster parent and is currently involved in the development of foster care and adoption services, including policy and practice development, training of foster carers and social workers and project development.
She is a member of the IFCO training and development committee.


Organising Committee for the National Conference

May 17th, 2010

On the 23rd of January a meeting was held in the Castlecourt Hotel to setup the committee to plan the national conference.

The Committee is: Chair - Eugene Flynn, Vice Chair - Therese McCaffrey, Secretary - Peter McCallig, Asst.Sec - John Horgan, Treasurer - Deirdre Diskin, Asst.Treas - Josie Corr, Workshops - Marie Morris, Childcare Programme - Moira McCallig and Patrick Gilmore

Also at this meeting it was decided to make a contribution to the Gena Heraty Haiti Fund - Gena is an aid worker from Westport.