Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 2 Dec 1980

Vol. 325 No. 1

Written Answers. - Foster Care Services.

342.

Mr. Keating

asked the Minister for Health the number of fostering arrangements that have taken place in each year for which statistics are available; if he will give an indication of the various lengths of time involved on such fostering arrangements, whether short or long-term etc., the number of foster parents at present in the State; if any fostering arrangements have been entered into with parents outside the State; and if he will indicate the number of children, including their age groups and sex, at present seeking foster care.

344.

Mr. Keating

asked the Minister for Health the number of fostering arrangements entered into each year for which statistics are available in respect of single parent families, unmarried people, unmarried natural mothers, unmarried natural fathers, grandparents of unmarried parents or otherwise.

345.

Mr. Keating

asked the Minister for Health if he will make a statement in relation to the difficulties experienced in the placement of children for foster care, whether such difficulties include aspects of physical or mental character, such as some disability or colour of hair; and if he will categorise and outline all such problem areas.

Minister for Health (Dr. Woods)

I propose to take Questions numbered 342, 344 and 345 which relate to the fostercare services together. The information requested by the Deputy is not available at present. I am arranging to have such information as may be available collected from the health boards and will forward it to the Deputy as soon as possible.

As regards difficulties being experienced in the placement of children in foster care the position is that, in some areas, there is an inadequate number of foster parents available. There is in particular some difficulty in finding suitable foster parents for children who are seriously handicapped or who have behavioural difficulties. Towards alleviating this situation health boards have been exhorted by my Department to intensify their efforts in the recruitment of suitable foster parents and to strengthen their social work personnel in this area as far as resources permit. I have further improvements in this service under review in the light of the recommendations that I have just received from the Task Force on Child Care Services.