Vol. 460 No. 4
55 Mr. B. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Health if he will make available the contents of the report on the Higashi School in Boston, which is a school for special services for the handicapped, that was carried out for his Department; the cost to the State per year to keep a child with special needs in residential care in this country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1531/96]
There is no formal report published on the Higashi School in Boston. However, my adviser on mental handicap services recently visited the Higashi School in Boston as part of an examination of the content and likely benefit of a number of alternative programmes abroad for the treatment of autism. It has not been possible to establish clear-cut evidence which would support the view that significant and continuing benefit can be derived from these programmes. My Department's general view is that investment should continue to be made in the development of services here in Ireland with consideration being given to incorporating innovative elements of those services where appropriate.
The report of the Review Group on Mental Handicap Services Needs and Abilities recommended that no child should be placed in residential accommodation away from home solely on the basis of the need to avail of special education. In line with this policy, services are being developed at local and regional level with a view to enabling more families to keep children at home who would previously have come into residential care.
The Deputy will be aware that the cost to the State per year of keeping a child with special needs in residential care varies considerably depending on the needs of individual children. The cost will be dependent on many factors including the level of disability, whether the child is in five day or seven day care, the type of care setting required, that is, a group home in the community or a more secure setting on a residential campus. While costs could range between £15,000 and £30,000 per annum depending on the individual needs of the client, an average cost would be in the region of £19,000 per annum.
