Vol. 536 No. 5
180 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of people in each health board area approved for short-term and long-term fostering; the process required if approved for short-term and for those who wish to do long-term fostering; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14601/01]
The Department of Health and Children does not routinely collect numbers of foster carers approved for short-term and long-term foster care, as many foster carers will provide both types of service, as required by their health board.
Foster care regulations oblige health boards to establish and maintain one or more panels of persons who will act as foster carers. They specify a number of conditions that need to be met, including written medical reports, two referees, authorisations to obtain Garda clearance and assessment as to their suitability and their homes' suitability for the placement of foster children. There have been concerns expressed about the foster care service by those involved in the service. These concerns have been addressed by the working group on foster care. The report of the working group is due to be published within the next few weeks.
