Vol. 519 No. 6
94 Mr. Belton asked the Minister for Health and Children the guidelines, if any, issued by him to health boards concerning the maximum num ber of children to be placed in foster care at any one time with a foster parent or parents; and the consideration given by him to this issue to date. [14050/00]
Children are placed in foster care in accordance with the Child Care (Placement of Children in Residential Care) Regulations, 1995, and the Child Care (Placement of Children in Foster Care) Regulations, 1995. Decisions regarding the placement of children are made on the basis of the best interests of the children concerned and health boards deal with each individual case on its merits.
When placing children in foster care, health boards take into account the suitability of the prospective foster family and of the accommodation available. In general, the number of children placed with a foster carer is kept to a minimum. However, the number of children so placed can vary from time to time for a number of reasons, in particular, where there is a need to accommodate brothers and sisters from the same family.
With the establishment of the social services inspectorate in April 1999, standards of child care services are kept under review. While the inspectorate is concentrating on residential care for the first three years of its operation, it has been decided to begin the preparation of standards for foster care to allow for a more comprehensive monitoring of this important area.
The Deputy may wish to note that a working group on foster care was established last year by the then Minister of State to examine all aspects of foster care. The working group consists of nominees from my Department, the health boards and the Irish Foster Care Association and also includes a foster parent. The group is addressing the problems currently being experienced by those involved in foster care and the aim is to develop a wide range of services for foster children and their carers. The group will report by the end of the summer and its recommendations will contribute significantly to the further development of these important services.
Foster carers play a vital part in our child protection services and it is my intention to ensure that they are fully supported. Shortly after my appointment as Minister of State, I met the Irish Foster Care Association and I assured it of my commitment in this regard and I am happy to confirm this position.
