Tusla is looking for foster carers across Ireland as part of National Fostering Week 2022.
For this year's campaign, the child and family agency is focusing on the need to recruit carers for older children in their local communities.
A local placement will ensure a young person can maintain important connections with their friends, sports, school, and community.
Tusla Care Leaver, Shannon Joyce, who was placed in relative foster care with her siblings when she was seven said she "wouldn't change a thing".
She added: "I stayed with my family until summer 2021. My whole experience of foster care has been a rollercoaster to say the least.
"I've met so many people and heard so many stories throughout the years. I wouldn't change a thing!
"I'm so happy that I can take all the experiences I have had and all the lessons I have learned and use them to be the best role model and mentor I can be for the young people I teach.
"Fostering can be an amazingly positive experience for the carers, and children."
Minister for Children, Roderic O'Gorman TD, said over 90% of children in care in Ireland reside in foster care, "a figure that compares favourably with our European neighbours. I would like to take this opportunity to again recognise and acknowledge the work of foster carers".
He added: "They have made this achievement possible, through their committed care of these children. I would encourage anyone who is considering becoming a foster carer to contact Tusla on the details provided and to make that first step in improving the wellbeing and happiness of some of our most vulnerable children."
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