As stated in the response to PQ # 486;
Under Article 12 of the UNCRC, the child's views must be considered and taken into account in all matters affecting him or her. In order to ensure that the voice of the child is present from the earliest possible stage, consultations are being planned which will include those most directly affected by this policy. Children and young people in informal kinship care arrangements, their carers and parents will be consulted in-depth as part of the development of the policy. In line with current best practice, these consultations will be carried out by my Department and completed next year.
Families involved with Kinship Care Ireland will be invited to participate in these consultations. Other families and carers, suggested by the other community and voluntary sector organisations we are consulting with, may also be included.