Seán Ó Fearghaíl
Question:31. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of children in care who now have an allocated social worker; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21854/13]
View answerThursday, 9 May 2013
Questions (31)
Written answers
The HSE compiles monthly performance reports which include statistics in relation to children in care. These reports are published on the HSE website. The latest published report shows that there were 6,397 children in the care of the HSE in February 2013, of which 5,837 (91.2%) children had an allocated social worker. It is important to note the dynamic nature of children entering and leaving care. The HSE Review of Adequacy for HSE Children and Families Services 2011 showed that 36.7% of children admitted to care during 2011 were also discharged within the year. The Review also showed that there were over 2000 admissions to care in each of the years, 2009 to 2011. The HSE advise that where there are immediate operational difficulties in assigning one social worker to a child, social workers are assigned based on a needs assessment and prioritisation. Some of these cases can relate to children in very stable fostering placements, provided perhaps, by a relative. Where a social worker is not assigned for a period, practice has been to support foster placements through the regular social work duty system where the child can contact the social worker on duty. It is also important to note that cases are subject to ongoing review and, where appropriate, the level and nature of the support being provided to foster carers and children in care will change depending on the needs of the child.