Brian Hayes
Question:131 Mr. B. Hayes asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of persons being processed for the purposes of providing foster care for children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27169/01]
Written Answers. - Foster Care Services.
The Department of Health and Children does not routinely collect statistics on the number of applicants to provide foster care. As the Deputy will be aware, the 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 recruitment and retention of foster carers by those involved in the foster care service. Recommendations have been made in the report of the working group on foster care to address these concerns, and the Government is committed in principle to implementing the recommendations of the Report on a phased basis. It should also be noted that health boards are undertaking local initiatives on the recruitment of foster carers. These initiatives include prominent displays of promotional materials, advertisements in local media and sponsorship of events organised in conjunction with the Irish Foster Care Association.