asked the Minister for Health if he will outline the provisions which exists enabling statutory authorities to continue to provide for the maintenance of children who have been in care, beyond the age of 16 years for the purpose of completing their education and training.
Written Answers. - Children in Care.
413.
Subsection 55 (4) and 55 (5) of the Health Act, 1953, enable health boards, with the Minister's consent, to provide financial support for children who have been in care and who have reached the age of 16 years to allow them to complete their education and training.
414.
asked the Minister for Health if he will outline the provisions which exist enabling statutory authorities to continue to provide for the maintenance of children who have been in care, beyond the age of 16, where such young people do not continue to pursue a course of education and training; whether he is satisfied with current arrangements for this group of disadvantaged young people; the plans he has to secure an improvement in the level of provision; and how he proposes to assess the need for such improvements.
There is no specific statutory provision at present relating to the continued maintenance beyond the age of 16 years of children in care who are not pursuing a course in education or training. However, every reasonable effort is made by the caring agency to ensure adequate provision for their maintenance and accommodation and to retain contact with them. They are assisted in finding employment and advised on the services available to them. In some instances accommodation is provided in hostels in receipt of health board funding. Depending on their individual circumstances these young people could also be eligible for supplementary welfare assistance from the local health board, or for unemployment assistance.
I am aware of the necessity to clarify the role of the statutory authorities in relation to this group. Amongst the items being considered in the proposed new Children Bill are a review of the age up to which children in care should be maintained and the provision of after-care services for them.