Finian McGrath
Question:561 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the rights that foster parents have in protecting a person (details supplied) in their care. [32445/12]
View answerTuesday, 3 July 2012
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Written answers
Under the Child Care Act, 1991(as amended) the Health Service Executive (HSE) has a statutory duty to promote the welfare of children who are not receiving adequate care and protection. If a child is in need of care and protection and is unlikely to receive it at home, the HSE has a duty to ensure they receive appropriate care. In such circumstances the HSE may apply to the Court for a care order. A care order commits a child to the care of the HSE and the HSE has control over the child as if it was his/her parent and takes reasonable steps to safeguard and promote the child's health, development or welfare. The HSE decides on the type of care to be provided and the majority of children are placed in foster care.
In placing a child in foster care, the HSE regards the welfare the child as paramount, having regard to the rights and duties of his/her parents. Each child in foster care has a social worker who visits the child in the foster carers' home and maintains a link with the child's birth family. Every foster carer also has a social worker, known as a link worker, to support and supervise them. The link workers responsibilities include ensuring that foster carers receive all relevant information and advice about the children including background history, health and education. The link worker organises training, provides regular supervision and support for foster carers and their children and ensures that foster carers understand, accept and operate within relevant standards, policies and guidance of the HSE. The link worker also provides foster carers with specific written information on and explanations of HSE procedures should a complaint or allegation be made against them and the supports available in such an event. Support is also available from Public Health Nurses, psychologists and child care workers as appropriate with other professionals being accessed if necessary, for example, speech therapists, counselling services etc. Any concerns that a foster carer has about a child's welfare may be addressed to the appropriate person from the support network available to them.