Barnardos Support Services

08 Jun, 2026

The Irish State has officially recognised the Barnardos Boarded Out Practical Support Service, providing free and confidential assistance to adults who were "boarded out" as children.

This service offers specialised support for navigating records, mental health, and social services, confirming that such placements do not constitute a criminal record. For more information, visit the Barnardos website https://barnardos.ie/ .

In his State apology on the 25 February 2026, the Taoiseach Micheál Martin highlighted the Barnardos Boarded Out Practical Support Service as a key resource for adults who were "boarded out," "farmed out," or "nursed out" as children in Ireland. This free and confidential service is designed for individuals who experienced being raised by families other than their own prior to the 1991 Child Care Act. Supports Available Through Barnardos. The service provides a range of practical and therapeutic aids for survivors:

Practical Assistance: Helping individuals fill out complex forms and grant applications.
Access to Services: Support in navigating and accessing health, community, and social services.
Tracing & Records: Assistance in accessing early life records and birth history information.
Wellbeing Support: Guidance for managing feelings of isolation and loneliness.
Therapeutic Referrals: Direct referral to specialized therapeutic supports through Barnardos Birth History Service.
Advocacy: Providing information, signposting, and general advocacy for survivors' interests.

How to Access the Service

Survivors can reach out via the following contact points: