A mother who had fostered a child for more than 10 years was falsely accused by the HSE of facilitating his access to pornography in the family home, an investigation by the Irish Examiner has learned.

They offered their love and support for a troubled child in their care for more than 10 years, but the Jones family were treated badly by the State agencies overseeing the fostering process, writes Michael Clifford.

An audit has found that children in foster care could possibly be identified because of “insufficient safeguards” in the overall payment process.

The Cabinet will finally approve terms of reference this week for a State inquiry into the ‘Grace’ foster home sex-abuse scandal.

The Child and Family agency Tusla said it recognised the shortcomings highlighted in the report.

For people who love animals but don’t want the commitment involved in having a full-time pet, fostering can be a win-win option, writes Georgina O’Halloran.