By Ruth Guy
In the complex world of social work, few roles are as vital as that of a fostering social worker. Jacqui Smyth, a seasoned professional with nearly two decades of experience, embodies the commitment and empathy required to navigate this challenging field. Having transitioned from residential care to foster care, Smyth has witnessed the profound impact that supportive family environments can have on vulnerable children. In this interview, she shares her insights into the challenges and rewards of social work, the critical importance of cultural matching in foster placements, and her vision for foster care in Ireland.
Can you tell me a little about yourself?
My name is Jacqui Smyth, and I’m from the Midlands. I’ve been a social worker for 19 years, following my earlier experience working with children and adults in various residential care settings.
Why did you choose social work as a career?
From a young age, I knew I wanted to help children, though I wasn’t always certain social work was the right path for me. After studying social science, I spent several years exploring my options. I worked in Dublin with young teenagers living in residential care, many of whom faced significant challenges. They needed a safe and accepting environment, clear boundaries and kindness. Their resilience, wit, and vulnerability left a lasting impact on me, it made me want to pursue a master’s in social work. Since then, I’ve worked with Tusla.
What area of social work did you start in
I began as a foster social worker, assessing potential foster carers and supporting families wanting to foster. This experience showed me the benefits of family life for children compared to residential care. Working directly with children helped me gain insight into the role.
Subsequently, I worked directly with families for about 11 years. I supported families dealing with addiction, mental health issues, and sometimes violence. The work was rewarding and challenging; witnessing individuals turn their lives around was fulfilling. But, it was tough to see children in unsafe home environments. I worked with relatives who took in grandchildren or nieces and nephews. I also worked with many children moving to foster placements with new families.
After over a decade, I returned to fostering, focusing on new carers and ensuring suitable placements for children in need.
What is the most challenging part of your role as a social worker
As a social worker, you are close to families’ trauma and difficulty. It can be emotionally challenging. As a social worker you enter the field to help children and their families, so you do genuinely care. That means you won’t just switch off when you’re not at work.
What are the rewarding parts of your role as a social worker?
The most rewarding aspect is witnessing children and families thrive, knowing you played a role in their journey. Whether it’s a child reuniting with a parent or finding safety in a foster placement, those moments are profoundly fulfilling. It’s lovely to reconnect with young adults and parents I’ve previously worked with and hear about their successes and well-being.
Why did you move to the Foster Care Section?
My experiences convinced me of the urgent need for diverse and quality foster homes for children unable to live with their parents, whether temporarily or long-term. I believe my background could contribute to fostering the right family connections for these children.
What do you see as the significant challenges in foster care?
One major challenge is ensuring a wide variety of foster families to meet the unique needs of each child. Every child in care has a distinct background; some are reserved, while others are energetic. They come from different environments, requiring tailored placements for their emotional and developmental needs. Finding foster carers to reflect the child’s cultural background to ease the transition is something I am passionate about. Children already endure significant changes; it’s vital to minimise the level of change they experience.
What is the process for placing a child in foster care?
The first step is identifying whether family members can take the child. This can be not easy, as we might not know all the relatives, but sometimes family members will step in. If no relatives are available, we contact the fostering team to find a suitable match. If a family is available, we aim to facilitate introductions if time allows. However, there are instances where placements happen rapidly, and as social workers, we must explain the situation to the child to ease their transition.
What is the hardest part of placing a child in foster care?
Every placement situation is unique. Some transitions are planned with the hope of reunification, while others are sudden and filled with emotional turmoil. Moving to a new home can be frightening for children, especially if they are concerned about their parents. Keeping the child local—within their school and community—helps lessen the stress of such a significant change, ensuring continuity in their lives.
How do you find a good cultural match for children in care
Assessing potential foster carers allows us to identify their strengths and experiences. Understanding their backgrounds and perspectives can effectively match children with carers with similar cultural values. This matching process becomes crucial when a child enters care, enabling us to provide them with the most suitable environment.
Are there benefits to placing a child within a culturally similar home
Absolutely. For children in care, feeling accepted is vital. Remaining within their culture means less need for explanation, fostering a sense of belonging and understanding. As they develop their identities, being surrounded by adults and peers who share their cultural background reinforces their sense of self. This alignment can be critical for teenagers as they navigate their cultural identities and seek positive role models, ultimately benefiting their mental health and resilience.
What options are available if a child can’t be placed in a culturally similar home?
Our primary goal is always to find the best match for each child’s needs. While some children may be placed with families from different cultures, we focus on ensuring these families provide the necessary support and understanding of trauma. This approach allows us to meet the child’s emotional needs while considering their safety and well-being.
Social workers frequently encounter criticism and can be perceived as adversaries. What guidance would you provide to individuals seeking to engage with a social worker, particularly those who have had challenging experiences in the past
Social work fundamentally revolves around supporting families. It’s understandable to feel anxious, but we are here to help. Open and honest communication is essential; bringing in a trusted person for support can also help. Working together often leads to positive outcomes. Only a tiny percentage of children go into care; most are assisted through early intervention and community support.
We encourage feedback from those who’ve had negative experiences. Speaking to your social worker or an advocate can help. Formal complaint procedures are also available.
Can you describe your current role?
I now work on the national fostering strategy to ensure an adequate number of foster carers nationwide, guaranteeing that every child in need can find the right home. This strategy also focuses on providing strong support for foster carers, ensuring they receive appropriate training and assistance throughout their fostering journey.
What are your visions for the future of foster care?
I would love to see a system where every child needing a foster home can find a suitable placement in their locality. Children should remain in their schools, surrounded by friends and close to family, maintaining their cultural identity and personal connections. Also, I hope for comprehensive support and training for foster carers, ensuring that children in care experience stability and safety.
