Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 26 September 2012
33. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her plans to reduce the cost of private foster care; if her Department has examined the policy of utilising private foster care companies with a view to the Health Service Executive providing a more cost-effective in-house service for children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40720/12]
View answerThe provision of alternative care services appropriate to the needs of children and young people is an ongoing priority. There are 3,925 children in general foster care, of which 204 (5.2%) are placed with companies which provide private foster care services to the HSE. I am advised by the HSE that placement charges have been reduced significantly as a result of a review of services and costs of both residential and foster care provided by the private sector. Further savings are possible through the finalisation of a national procurement process. Enhancement of in-house capacity is a priority and will be delivered through focused foster care recruitment campaigns both at regional and national levels.
