Inside Origins: Leah’s Journey to Working in Foster Care with Origins

Discover Leah’s journey to working in foster care with Origins. Learn how her expertise in trauma and attachment supports foster families and inspires meaningful change for children in care.

At Origins Foster Care, our team’s dedication and expertise shape the support we offer to foster carers and children in care. Leah Flood, a Fostering Link Worker with Origins, brings a wealth of experience and a passion for helping families navigate the fostering journey. Leah previously spoke heartwarmingly about the urgent need for foster carers to care for unborn and newborn babies in Ireland. Her story reflects the core values of Origins – compassion, understanding, and a commitment to making a lasting difference.

Leah’s Path to Social Work and Fostering

Leah’s journey to social work began with her natural curiosity and desire to help others. It was during her time in Canada that she realised social work was her true calling. After returning to Ireland, she completed a Master’s in Social Work at Trinity College Dublin – an intense yet rewarding two years of study, complemented by work in social care and disability services.

People in the area say you see a child differently, you see a different child. It’s a powerful lens to work with families.

Her professional experience spans over seven years, including roles within the Child and Family Agency and in specialised units like The Alders in Blanchardstown. Leah’s work has been deeply influenced by her growing interest in trauma and attachment – areas that have transformed her understanding of the children and families she supports.

The Power of a Trauma-Informed Lens

Leah explains how her studies in trauma and attachment at University College Cork were pivotal in reshaping her approach to social work. Understanding the profound effects of trauma on a child’s brain, biology, and cognitive systems gave her a new perspective.

“People in the area say you see a child differently, you see a different child,” Leah reflects. This insight drives her work with families, helping foster carers to understand and support children in their care with empathy and expertise.

At Origins, we recognise the importance of equipping foster carers with the knowledge and tools they need to make a difference. Leah’s expertise in trauma and attachment enriches the support we offer, ensuring that foster families are well-prepared to nurture children who may have experienced significant challenges.

Thinking to Foster? Take the First Step

Leah’s story is a reminder that fostering is about so much more than providing a home – it’s about transforming lives. Whether you’re inspired by Leah’s journey or simply curious about fostering, we’re here to guide you.

Contact Origins Foster Care today to learn more about the fostering process and how you can join a community dedicated to making a difference.

A portrait photo of Eithne Larkin, a team member at Origins Foster Care smiling and looking at the camera.
Written by:
Eithne LarkinEithne Larkin
February 5, 2025
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Tel. 01 9079196 / placements@originsfostercare.ie