Q. I would like my child to use the facility, how can I register?
To complete a referral to the service please contact the HSE Children’s Team on 042 9381400
Q. What criteria would a child need to attend the centre?
The service caters for children who have Autism, Physical and Sensory Disability and Learning Disability.
View our Admission Criteria here.
Q. Is there an age limit to attend the centre?
The service caters for children aged from 6 to 18 years old
Q. How can I help?
You can view our How to Help page here.
Q. Are there employment opportunities at the centre?
Yes. All positions are advertised on www.rehab.ie
Q. Could I seek work experience at your centre?
All individuals working in the service require Garda Clearance. We have 1 work experience placement at any one time
Q. What is Respite?
Respite is providing residential short breaks where your child can stay at our centre and get looked after by our professionally trained staff who will take care of their needs as well as provide activities which will entertain and stimulate them throughout their stay. This will give the immediate family an opportunity to relax and spend quality time together and with other siblings. This can be done in the safe knowledge that their child is being well cared for by professionals and are not too far away.
Q. Can parents/guardians stay with their child during their respite stay?
The main aim of our centre is to give parents/guardians a well deserved break from the 24/7 care therefore we don’t allow parents to stay but parents can ring or call to the service at any time throughout the child’s stay.
Q. Do you charge for services?
There is no charge. All our services are free to families who attend our respite centre. We rely on fundraising and HSE to run our centre to ensure the families are not out of pocket for our service
Q. What do I bring when my child is going to stay at the Maria Goretti Foundation?
Your child will need change of clothes relevant to their stay, medication which has been signed off by GP, toiletries and any comfort toys. This will be explained in detail at the initial visit to the service and an information pack will be given to each family.
Q. How do I know my child will be protected from harm or abuse?
All staff are vetted and have a Garda Clearance Cert to ensure no harm or abuse will come to your child. All staff attend Child Protection training and all issues of concern are reported to Tusla, the National Family and Child agency. More information is available at the initial visit to the service.
