Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 September 2013
22. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the total number of children currently in care; the duration of such care; the extent to which adequate resources and facilities are available to and through the carers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38730/13]
View answerThe 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 in May 2013 there were 6,441 children in care, of which 4,065 (63.1%) were in general foster care and 1880 (29.2%) in care with relatives.
The most recent statistics available on the duration of care placements is contained in the HSE’s 2011 Review of Adequacy of Services, which is published on the HSE’s website. The review showed that at 31 December 2011, of the 6,155 children in care, 1,424 (23.1%) had been in care for less than one year, 2,668 (33.5%) had been in care for between one and five years and 2,063 (33.5%) had been in care for more than five years.
Foster carers are provided with support through the allocation of a link social worker. This worker is independent of the child’s social worker. Their role is to visit carers on a regular basis providing support services including advice, guidance and training as they consider necessary to enable the carers to take care of the child placed with them.
Carers are also provided with a monetary allowance in respect of every child placed with them as set by the Minister. In addition to the allowance the HSE may provide further financial and other assistance if deemed necessary to support foster carers.
The Irish Foster care Association, funded by the HSE, also provide support, advice and meditation services to careers who take up membership.
A small number of children are accommodated in residential units some of which provide high support or secure care. These children are cared for by professionally qualified social care staff.
