Written Answers Nos. 1-34
10. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if he is aware that the employment performance monitor for 2015, recently approved by the European Union Council of Ministers, identifies the availability of affordable and quality child care as a key challenge for Ireland and a challenge that the European Commission will therefore monitor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27363/15]
View answerI am aware that the lack of access to affordable, quality childcare can be a significant barrier to many low-income and disadvantaged families seeking to avail of work opportunities. To address this issue, my Department currently invests over €260 million each year to support a number of childcare programmes. These include: the free pre-school year provided under the Early Childhood Care and Education programme which benefits approximately 67,000 children each year and reduces the childcare costs for parents by as much as €2,774 for each qualifying child; and the Community Childcare Subvention programme, which provides funding to community childcare services to support disadvantaged or low income families. In the region of 25,000 children benefit from this programme each year and, in the case of full day care, parents can have their childcare costs reduced by up to €95 per week.
Further childcare support is provided under a number of labour activation measures which support parents returning to the workforce or availing of education or training opportunities. These include the: Childcare Education and Training Supports programme for parents availing of training and education courses; Community Employment Childcare programme for parents in Community Employment schemes; and After-School Childcare programme for after-school care.
The high level of funding to support these childcare programmes has been maintained despite the difficult budgetary position that has prevailed in recent years. To ensure that all the benefits of current (and future) investment are fully realised, it must be evidence-based and strategically co-ordinated. Accordingly, I have established an Inter-Departmental Group to develop a coherent whole-of-Government approach to investment in childcare. This Group is considering the needs of children in their early years as well as the needs of school-going children. The Group will submit its report to me shortly and I intend to bring it to Government for discussion in the context of the Estimates process for Budget 2016.
11. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 150 of 24 February 2015, if the new national youth strategy has now been completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27330/15]
View answerThe National Youth Strategy 2015 - 2020 has its basis in Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures: the National Policy Framework for children and young people 2014 – 2020 and in particular its youth-specific commitments. The purpose of the National Youth Strategy is to enable all young people aged 10 to 24 to realise their maximum potential with regard to the five national outcomes in Better Outcomes, Brighter Future. It will be a universal strategy for all young people. It will have a particular focus on the needs of young people experiencing, or at risk of experiencing the poorest outcomes.
The Strategy is based on an understanding of youth as a distinctive period of development between childhood and adulthood. It takes account of the social and economic factors that influence young people during this period, and the important roles that parents, families, friends, other adults and communities play in their lives. Its development is informed by national and European policy developments and the results of a national consultation process.
The National Youth Strategy identifies key objectives to be achieved for young people so that they may be active and healthy, achieving their full potential in learning and development, safe and protected from harm, have economic security and opportunity and be connected and contributing to their world. It sets out priority actions to be delivered by stakeholders such as Government departments, state agencies and by the NGO sector over 2015 to 2017.
My Department will lead and support the implementation of the new Strategy and progress will be monitored through the structures put in place under Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures. I am pleased to say that the National Youth Strategy is almost complete and I intend to bring it to Government in the next few weeks. I will then publish it at an early date.
12. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs his views on his Department resourcing the area based childhood programme when the matched funding from The Atlantic Philanthropies is withdrawn; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27320/15]
View answerThe Area Based Childhood (ABC) Programme is an innovative prevention and early intervention initiative. It consists of committed funding for an area-based approach to improve outcomes for children and thereby reduce child poverty. The programme builds on and continues the work of the Prevention and Early Intervention Programme 2007 - 2013 which was co-funded by my Department and The Atlantic Philanthropies.
The ABC Programme involves joint investment of my Department and The Atlantic Philanthropies of €29.7m in evidence-informed interventions to improve the long-term outcomes for children and families living in disadvantaged areas. It aims to break the cycle of child poverty within areas where it is most deeply entrenched and where children are most disadvantaged, through integrated and effective services and interventions in the areas of child development, child well-being, parenting and educational disadvantage.
The ABC Programme is time-bound and the co-funding arrangement between Government and The Atlantic Philanthropies is in place until 2017.
A key purpose of the ABC Programme is to identify the learning in and across the ABC sites and to transfer this learning into existing and established services. Adopting such a systems focus, rather than merely a site or geographic specific focus, is the intention so that we can ensure a greater reach and sustained impact in services across the country. What I want to ensure is that, rather than creating parallel provision, the learning from this programme informs the ongoing reform of established services and supports for children and young people. Mainstreaming the learning in this way will bring improvements, not only in specific areas, but across the wider system, thereby addressing all areas of disadvantage. A Task Group has been established to explore how best to mainstream the learning where programmes and activities have proven more effective than existing provision.
The ABC Programme is currently being evaluated under the guidance of an Expert Advisory Group. The evaluation adopts a shared measurement framework across all ABC programme sites. The evaluation will consider the implementation and cost of programmes, and crucially how the outcomes for children and families in Area Based Childhood areas have changed during the course of the programme.
This evaluation will be crucial in indicating the impact of the ABC Programme, and along with the work of the Task Group will be key in informing considerations regarding the mainstreaming of the learning from this programme.
13. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if he will provide an update on the investigations into mother and baby homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27094/15]
View answerThe Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes and certain related matters was formally established by Government Order on the 17th February 2015. In accordance with its comprehensive Terms of Reference, the Commission is tasked with thoroughly examining the experience of mothers and children resident in Mother and Baby Homes and a representative sample of County Homes.
The Commission has begun this very important work and is required to submit a final report within 36 months of its establishment.
As the Deputy may be aware the Commission recently launched a nationwide advertising campaign inviting persons with relevant information to contact the Commission. Persons wishing to contact the Commission may do so by writing to: Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes, 73 Lower Baggot Street, Dublin 2, email info@mbhcoi.ie or by freephone on 1800 80 66 88.
As I have outlined previously, the Commission is completely independent in the conduct of its investigations. The precise timing and approach to its investigations are matters for the Commission to decide and progress. I have no further information in relation to the ongoing investigation.
14. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if he will provide an update on plans to address shortcomings in sexual violence prevention services and evidence gathering provided at a national level, in view of the drastic reduction to the core funding of the Rape Crisis Network Ireland and Women’s Aid from the Child and Family Agency. [27331/15]
View answerTusla has undertaken a comprehensive review of sexual violence and domestic violence services, in consultation with service providers. The purpose was to identify strategic priorities and set out a roadmap for the delivery of these services. Tusla is seeking through this process to address any identified gaps in services, to avoid duplication and to support effective delivery of frontline services nationally. Tusla considers that there is scope for a more co-ordinated and more equitable provision of these services across the country.
One of the concerns identified by Tusla relates to the completeness and availability of data to plan and deliver services. In addition to this, there was some duplication and overlap in the provision of domestic and sexual violence awareness training. Tusla’s aim is to put these services on a more sustainable footing.
For the first time domestic and sexual violence services are being developed as a specialist national service with a single line of accountability so as to enable better outcomes for both children and adults who are survivors of sexual violence. A roadmap for the future of service delivery has been approved by Tusla’s Board.
The funding provided to RCNI by Tusla was to develop and maintain a database of information recorded by workers in Rape Crisis Centres. Tusla had concerns that this database did not capture information from all 16 Rape Crisis Centres as only 11 centres are affiliated with the Network.
In addition to this, Tusla did not always have timely access to the data collected, which is essential to support the delivery of high quality services across both the domestic violence and sexual violence services sector.
Consequently, Tusla has taken the decision to put in place a comprehensive data system that best meets the current and future data needs of a developing service. In order to plan properly for the future, Tusla needs timely access to complete and reliable information.
As part of revised governance arrangements, funded sexual violence services will provide information directly to Tusla, creating, for the first time, a comprehensive dataset on all such services funded by the Agency. This information and evidence is critically important as Tusla continues to reform services to ensure the best possible response is provided to survivors of sexual violence.
With regard to Women's Aid, Tusla has allocated funding of €600,000 to this organisation in 2015, to maintain current frontline service provision, including the development of the national domestic violence helpline. Women’s Aid also receives funding from a number of Government sources for the services it provides, including €158,000 over a two year period from the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government; and €140,000 – an increase of €60,000 in 2015 – from the Department of Justice and Equality for the awareness raising and court accompaniment services.
In my discussions with Tusla this year, I requested that particular priority be given to protecting frontline services, and in that context, funding for the 16 Rape Crisis Centres nationwide which provide services directly to rape survivors has been protected in 2015. Almost €4.0m in funding is dedicated to Rape Crisis Centres in 2015, with funding maintained at 2014 levels.
In summary, Tusla is committed to the development of domestic, sexual and gender based violence services in line with its statutory remit to provide such services. The immediate focus is on ensuring that frontline services are protected and this is happening. Beyond that, in planning for the future provision and development of services, Tusla is committed to addressing identified gaps in service provision, eliminating duplication where it exists and ensuring the provision of a more equitable service. The availability of comprehensive national data will support Tusla in this work.
15. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the extent to which he and his Department continues to prioritise accessibility to quality child care facilities, with particular reference to low-income families and-or the large number of families where both parents are at work or are required to work in the workplace; if consideration is being given to the vital provision of affordable child care facilities; if the report, being prepared by the interdepartmental group in respect of future investment in child care, has been finalised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27338/15]
View answerFunding of more than a quarter of a billion euro is provided annually by my Department to support the implementation of a number of childcare support programmes that assist parents, particularly those in low-income families, to access quality childcare services. This funding, which is in addition to the direct support provided to all parents in the form of Child Benefit, supports more than 100,000 children each year.
The most significant of these programmes is the Early Childhood Care and Education programme, which represents an annual investment of approximately €175 million and enables almost 67,000 children each year to benefit from free pre-school provision. The standard weekly capitation payment for each eligible child enrolled is €62.50, with a higher capitation of €73 paid for eligible children enrolled in services where staff hold higher childcare qualifications. Parents who qualify for support under this programme can have their annual childcare costs reduced by as much as €2,774 for each qualifying child.
The Community Childcare Subvention programme provides funding to community childcare services to support disadvantaged or low income families. In the region of 25,000 children benefit from this programme each year. In the case of full day care, parents can have their weekly childcare costs reduced by up to €95 per week.
Further childcare support is provided under a number of labour activation measures which support parents returning to the workforce or availing of education or training opportunities. These include the: Childcare Education and Training Supports programme for parents availing of training and education courses; Community Employment Childcare programme for parents in Community Employment schemes; and After-School Childcare programme for after-school care.
The high level of funding to support these childcare programmes has been maintained despite the difficult budgetary position that has prevailed in recent years. To ensure that all the benefits of current (and future) investment are fully realised, it must be evidence-based and strategically co-ordinated. Accordingly, I have established an Inter-Departmental Group to develop a coherent whole-of-Government approach to investment in childcare. This Group is considering the needs of children in their early years as well as the needs of school-going children. The Group will submit its report to Government shortly.
16. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs his plans to take measures to reform or regulate the guardian ad litem system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27368/15]
View answerGuardian ad litem services, under the provisions of the Child Care Act 1991, are currently organised and provided on an unregulated and ad hoc basis and, in the absence of extensive and fundamental reform, the service will not be sustainable into the future. The service now incurs an annual spend of over €16 million, and needs to be grounded as a consistent, accountable and sustainable national service. My Department is currently preparing policy proposals to achieve this objective.
A ‘root-and-branch’ reform is envisaged. Work on the policy proposals is being informed by a number of considerations and sources of information, including work done by the former Children Acts Advisory Board. The objective is to put in place a comprehensive legislative basis for the delivery of a high quality and sustainable service, on a national basis.
The reforms must ensure the best interests of the child, the centrality of the courts and the independence of guardians ad litem, but must also put in place a nationally managed service that is cohesive, accountable and sustainable. In Ireland, as in other jurisdictions, the service is subject to increasing demand and finite resources. I am determined to achieve best possible use of the substantial level of funding that has already been allocated to this area.
Reflecting elements identified by the Children Acts Advisory Board, proposed statutory arrangements will aim to address such matters as guidance as to circumstances for appointment, the qualifications that will be required for appointment, a well-defined role and responsibilities for the guardian ad litem, their legal status in proceedings, and legal representation.
17. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the extent to which ready access and vital back-up support remains available to children at risk, with particular reference to children at risk of child poverty or in situations where the extent of vulnerability may lead to depression and-or self-harm; if he can assist voluntary bodies or agencies providing counselling or other support services for children or teenagers in these categories; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27339/15]
View answerThe Child and Family Agency, Tusla, provides funding to voluntary and community organisations providing relationship, child and bereavement counselling services. These services aim to support people to deal with difficulties they are experiencing in their lives. Tusla is spending €5.8m in 2015, on these services.
Tusla has also developed Assessment, Consultation and Therapy Service ( ACTS) which is a national specialised clinical service providing multidisciplinary consultation, assessment and focused interventions to young people who have high risk behaviours associated with complex clinical needs.
Tusla works closely with other care providers including the HSE, in respect of access to primary care services, child and adolescent mental health services, disability and other services. Tusla and the HSE have in place, both, a Memorandum of Understanding and a Joint Protocol for inter-agency collaboration which underpins the provision of these services for children.
Responsibility for policy in relation to the treatment and support for young people with mental health problems and those requiring medical care as a result of self-harm rests with the Department of Health.
As part of the implementation of Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures: the National Policy Framework for Children and Young People 2014 - 2020 (BOBF), the Department of Social Protection has identified child poverty as a cross-sectoral priority action for 2015. The target is to lift over 70,000 children out of consistent poverty by 2020, a reduction of at least two-thirds on the 2011 level.
There are a number of other areas of focus that support this response to child poverty. Funding of more than a quarter of a billion euro is invested annually by my Department on early childhood care and education and after-school childcare programmes. A number of these programmes are targeted at those on the lowest incomes. This funding supports more than 100,000 children each year. In addition, in early 2015, I established an Inter-Departmental Group on Future Investment in Early Years and After-School Care and Education. This Inter-Departmental Group, which is tasked with setting out a range of options for future investment in early years and after-school childcare is currently finalising its report, which will be submitted to Government shortly.
My Department is also leading the implementation of the Area Based Childhood (ABC) Programme (2013-2016). The ABC Programme is co-funded by Atlantic Philanthropies and will have a total funding allocation of up to €29.7 million. The ABC Programme draws on best international practice to break the cycle of child poverty where it is most deeply entrenched, and improve the outcomes for children and young people and existing services.
My Department also provides targeted support for disadvantaged, marginalised and at risk young people and this support is provided through a range of schemes totalling €49.93m of funding.
Finally, the National Youth Strategy 2015 - 2020 which is nearing completion will have its basis in Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures and in particular its youth-specific commitments. It will be a universal strategy for all young people and will include a particular focus on the needs of young people experiencing, or at risk of experiencing the poorest outcomes.
18. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the steps he is taking to reduce the level of school truancy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27093/15]
View answerTusla, the Child and Family Agency, has a general function to ensure that each child attends a recognised school or otherwise receives a certain minimum education. The statutory Educational Welfare Service of the Agency has a key role to respond to instances where children are not attending school regularly or where there is a concern about a child's educational welfare.
Where a school attendance problem arises for a child, the Agency concentrates on finding solutions working with the child, their families, schools and other relevant agencies. This work of the Educational Welfare Service falls into two categories. It may involve a brief intervention designed to resolve a school attendance issue with a child before it escalates, or the provision of an intensive intervention, where problems of poor school attendance are evidence of more complex and deep rooted issues. More than 17,000 brief interventions were provided to children in 2013, while more than 2,400 children received an intensive intervention.
The School Completion Programme and the Home School Community Liaison Scheme, under the Department of Education and Skill's 'Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools' (DEIS) action plan, are core elements of the Agency's integrated approach to promote school attendance and prevent early school leaving. There are 144 local school completion projects throughout the country operating in 470 primary and 224 post primary schools. Under the Programme, local management committees prepare annual school retention plans, in which they identify the target cohort of children who may be at risk of poor school attendance and the range of supports to be provided to meet their needs. The Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) is currently reviewing the School Completion Programme. The report, due shortly, will inform the future development of the programme, to prevent early school leaving and secure good educational outcomes for at risk children.
Tusla has advised that guidelines for schools on the preparation of school attendance strategies, in line with Section 22 of the Education (Welfare) Act, 2000, have recently been completed. The guidelines will provide advice to schools about their responsibilities to encourage regular school attendance and the practical supports which can be implemented at school level to enable children to maximise their attendance and participation in education. Tusla anticipates that the new guidelines will be disseminated to schools at the start of the 2015/ 2016 school year.
19. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the responsibility his Department has for children who are placed in emergency homeless accommodation; if he will address concerns that neither his Department nor Tusla - Child and Family Agency is responsible for putting into place special care plans for children who are experiencing homelessness; and the level of monitoring Tusla - Child and Family Agency is committing to ensure that homelessness does not have a detrimental effect on these children’s development. [27334/15]
View answerPolicy responsibility for homelessness, in so far as it extends to my Department, relates to children under 18 and any child welfare and protection concerns that may arise in the context of the Child Care Act 1991. Young people who are homeless, either singly or as part of a family unit, and not falling within this category, are the responsibility of the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government, and local authorities.
As the Deputy will be aware, on the 4th of December, 2014, Minister Kelly hosted a summit on homelessness to reaffirm the Government’s commitment to end involuntary long-term homelessness, including that of families with children, by the end of 2016. A number of actions arising from the summit were formalised into an action plan to address homelessness, and substantial progress has been made in implementing that plan. Overall progress is overseen by the Cabinet Committee on Social Policy and Public Service Reform. The plan and progress reports are available on the website of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.
With regard to putting in place special care plans for children experiencing homelessness, homelessness as part of a family group is not, in and of itself, a basis for seeking to receive a child into care. Furthermore, there is no statutory basis for the preparation of care plans for families with children entering emergency accommodation.
However, the December, 2014 Action Plan to Address Homelessness includes a commitment for Tusla – the Child and Family Agency and Dublin City Council to co-ordinate operations to ensure that services are fully responsive to the particular protection and welfare needs that might arise for families in emergency accommodation.
As the Deputy is aware, the statutory role of Tusla is to ensure the protection and welfare of children who are not receiving adequate care. In cases where there are child welfare or protection concerns in relation to children in families presenting as homeless, the reporting of such concerns to Tusla is governed by Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children (2011).
Additionally, Tusla has had meetings with Focus Ireland, the Department of Social Protection and Dublin City Council in relation to vulnerable families. Tusla intends to create a multi-agency protocol to be clear about individual agency and multi-agency responsibilities with regard to homelessness. I understand that work on this protocol has commenced.
20. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if he has been in contact with the Department of Health to inquire into the reason information which the Health Service Executive had in 2012, unearthed as part of the McAleese inquiries into the Magdalen laundries, showing wholesale unlawful practices regarding adoption in the Bessborough mother and baby home, was not passed on to his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27314/15]
View answerAs I have outlined for the Deputy previously, the draft report at issue was prepared by the Health Service Executive (HSE) based on records from the former Bessborough mother and baby home as part of its response to the Committee to establish the facts of State involvement with the Magdalen Laundries. This process, which was independently chaired by Martin McAleese, was conducted under the auspices of the Department of Justice and Equality.
In the course of this work the HSE provided the draft report to the Committee secretariat and to the Department of Health and the Department of Children and Youth Affairs. The draft report acknowledges that its conclusions remained a matter of conjecture until such time as a more forensic examination of the home’s records could be undertaken by the HSE.
As the issues raised in this appendix regarding adoption were outside the direct remit of the McAleese Committee, the HSE advised that these wider concerns would be examined separately by the HSE. At that time my Department advised the HSE that any validated findings of concern from this separate process should be appropriately communicated by the HSE. My Department is not aware of any subsequent report on this matter by the HSE.
The Government has established a statutory Commission of Investigation to provide a full account, in a timely manner, of what happened to vulnerable women and children in Mother and Baby Homes. Bessborough Mother and Baby Home is included in this investigation. I am confident that the Commission’s extensive remit will facilitate a full and transparent inquiry into all related matters and its reports will be published. The investigation of the high rates of mortality, the reporting of children’s deaths, and the arrangements for the placement of children whether in Ireland or abroad, are all matters which are prescribed within the Commission's Terms of Reference (S.I. No. 57 of 2015). The process of assembling and investigating all relevant records now forms a significant part of the Commission’s work.
21. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs his plans to increase State funding to prevention and early intervention area based childhood programmes for children by the end of 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27366/15]
View answerThe Area Based Childhood (ABC) Programme is an innovative prevention and early intervention initiative. It consists of committed funding for an area-based approach to improve outcomes for children and thereby reduce child poverty. The programme builds on and continues the work of the Prevention and Early Intervention Programme 2007 - 2013 which was co-funded by my Department and The Atlantic Philanthropies.
The Area Based Childhood ABC Programme involves joint investment of my Department and The Atlantic Philanthropies of €29.7m in evidence-informed interventions to improve the long-term outcomes for children and families living in disadvantaged areas. It aims to break the cycle of child poverty within areas where it is most deeply entrenched and where children are most disadvantaged, through integrated and effective services and interventions in the areas of child development, child well-being, parenting and educational disadvantage.
The ABC Programme is time-bound and the co-funding arrangement between Government and The Atlantic Philanthropies is in place until 2017.
A key purpose of the ABC Programme is to identify the learning in and across the ABC sites and to transfer this learning into existing and established services. Adopting such a systems focus, rather than merely a site or geographic specific focus, is the intention so that we can ensure a greater reach and sustained impact in services across the country. What I want to ensure is that, rather than creating parallel provision, the learning from this programme informs the ongoing reform of established services and supports for children and young people. Mainstreaming the learning in this way will bring improvements, not only in specific areas, but across the wider system, thereby addressing all areas of disadvantage. A Task Group has been established to explore how best to mainstream the learning where programmes and activities have proven more effective than existing provision.
The ABC Programme is currently being evaluated under the guidance of an Expert Advisory Group. The evaluation adopts a shared measurement framework across all ABC programme sites. The evaluation will consider the implementation and cost of programmes, and crucially how the outcomes for children and families in Area Based Childhood areas have changed during the course of the programme.
This evaluation will be crucial in indicating the impact of the ABC Programme, and along with the work of the Task Group will be key in informing considerations regarding the mainstreaming of the learning from this programme.
22. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if his Department collects data on the impact that increasing homelessness is having upon children; if so, the information collected; the way this translates into policy; if his Department has made known any concerns to the Departments of the Environment, Community and Local Government, Health, or Social Protection regarding increasing numbers of children who are being made homeless with their families; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27273/15]
View answerPolicy responsibility for homeless young people, in so far as it extends to my Department, relates to children under 18 and any child welfare and protection concerns that may arise in the context of the Child Care Act 1991. Children under 16 who present as being homeless to emergency services are taken into care. Children aged 16 and 17 may be taken into care, or provided a service under section 5 of the Child Care Act 1991 (accommodation for homeless children). Young people who were formerly in the care of the State and presently in receipt of aftercare services have their accommodation needs identified as part of this support.
The accommodation needs of children who are in the care of their parents where the family is homeless are the responsibility of the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government and local authorities.
The Child and Family Agency collects information on homeless children in respect of the services which the Agency funds and delivers. Emergency, short-term or long-term accommodation is provided for young people who present as out of home and who are placed under Section 5 of the Child Care Act 1991. Data are published on the Agency’s website and data for previous years can be found in the Review of Adequacy reports published under section 8 of the Child Care Act 1991.
A child can only be received into the care of the Child and Family Agency where there are welfare or protection concerns. Homelessness as part of a family group is not, in and of itself, a basis for seeking to receive a child into care.
In cases where there are welfare or protection concerns in relation to children in families presenting as homeless, the reporting of such concerns to the Child and Family Agency is governed by Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children (2011). This national policy sets out the non-statutory child protection requirements which are in place for all sectors of society. The Children First Bill 2014, which is currently progressing through the Oireachtas, will place key elements of the Children First National Guidance on a statutory basis once it is enacted and commenced. In parallel to the legislative process, the existing Children First National Guidance is currently being revised and updated.
As the Deputy will be aware, on the 4th of December 2014, Minister Kelly hosted a special summit on homelessness to reaffirm the Government's commitment to end involuntary long-term homelessness, including that of families with children, by the end of 2016. A number of actions arising from the summit were formalised into an action plan to address homelessness, and substantial progress has been made in implementing that plan. Overall progress is overseen by the Cabinet Committee on Social Policy and Public Service Reform. The plan and progress reports are available on the website of Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Additionally, the local authorities collect data in relation to the number of dependants, as part of a family, who are homeless.
The December 2014 Action Plan to Address Homelessness includes a commitment for Tusla – the Child and Family Agency and Dublin City Council to co-ordinate operations to ensure that services are fully responsive to the particular protection and welfare needs that might arise for families in emergency accommodation.
Tusla has had meetings with Focus Ireland, the Department of Social Protection and Dublin City Council in relation to vulnerable families and issues facing care leavers. Tusla intends to create a multi-agency protocol to be clear about individual agency and multi-agency responsibilities with regard to homelessness. I understand that work on this protocol has commenced.
With regard to communication with the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government on the issue of homelessness, there continues to be on-going communication and co-operation between our Departments and related agencies as part of a wider Government approach to addressing this issue.
23. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs his views on the ongoing opposition among the local community to the dismissal of a person at a centre (details supplied) in Dublin 5, which has resulted in a widespread boycott of the centre and demands for an annual general meeting that would allow for a new board of management to be elected, and for the person's re-instatement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27356/15]
View answerThe Family Resource Centre referred to by the Deputy is funded by Tusla, the Child and Family Agency. Family resource centres are independent companies limited by guarantee and are managed by a Voluntary Board of Management representative of the local community. In order to receive funding, the Family Resource Centres are required to have formal policies and procedures in place in relation to a number of areas, including Corporate Governance and Employment.
The decision to dismiss the person in question was made by the Voluntary Board of Management of this particular Resource Centre. Prior to this, Tusla had supported a number of efforts to address issues arising at the Centre over recent years. This included the appointment of an independent investigator in 2013 and, following the completion of the investigation in 2014, the appointment of an independent facilitator to progress matters. However, the Voluntary Board of Management has advised Tusla that over this period there were continuing difficulties.
The Voluntary Board of Management advised that regrettably, the Centre was closed temporarily due to ongoing difficulties in relation to this matter. Tusla met with the Voluntary Board of Management of the Centre on 20 May 2015 and was informed by the Board that the Centre had re-opened and was operating normally.
I understand that an Interim Board has been set up with representation from other organisations working in the area. The Board will have an independent Chair. The new Interim Board met for the first time on 18 June 2015. The initial task is to address funding for the centre and the sustainability of the centre. The Board has agreed key areas of work for the next 6 to 12 months including: the recruitment of a new Project Manager; the recruitment and establishment of a new Board comprised of local people and other stakeholders following completion of court proceedings; dealing with legal issues; undertaking a needs analysis for the development of a three year plan to reflect the priorities of Tusla in relation to work that supports children and families; establishing a public relations sub-group to examine options to positively promote the Family Resource Centre.
Tusla intends to continue funding this Family Resource Centre and will work with the Centre to ensure that the needs of children and families in the community continue to be met.
24. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs his views on the use of national school facilities as venues for preschool or afterschool service providers; if it will be considered appropriate for school authorities to undertake a tendering process for selection of a provider, should the decision be taken to permit the use of the school facilities particularly in the interests of fairness to all providers in a locality; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27337/15]
View answerThere have been a number of calls recently for the use of primary school buildings as a means of providing after-school childcare facilities. My Department is aware that many are already used for preschool and after-school activities.
The issue of school ownership impacts on the extent to which the State can influence how primary schools use any additional facilities or space they may have. The vast majority of primary school buildings in the country are in private ownership. Of the 3,278 primary schools in 2014, only 190 (6%) are in the ownership of the Minister for Education and Skills. The remaining 94% of primary schools are in private ownership. The State has no authority to compel Patrons who are the owners of school sites to accommodate childcare services on their own property.
I am aware that the Minister for Education and Skills is, however, supportive of coherent measures that facilitate greater community use of schools while respecting the core role of schools. In relation to use of existing school premises, my colleague is of the view that, in the first instance the core role of a school in delivering education to its student body has to be paramount and any additional activities have to adhere to that core role. There are also a number of practical issues, such as lease terms, insurance, etc., that need to be properly examined for schools considering additional activities on their premises.
In relation to the process of selecting a childcare provider to provide a childcare service in the primary school setting, I am aware that some existing pre and after-school providers have additional capacity and would be interested in tendering for such services if schools decided to do so.
Notwithstanding these issues, the Inter-Departmental Group, which I have established to develop a coherent whole-of-Government approach to investment in childcare, has considered the use of the school infrastructure for future delivery of childcare, particularly for after-school and out-of-school care. This Group will report to Government shortly.
25. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the provisions he has put in place to ensure parents have access to proven parenting courses in their local area. [27316/15]
View answerTusla, the Child and Family Agency, funds 108 Family Resource Centres in local communities around Ireland as part of the Family and Community Services Resource Centre programme. The aim of the Family and Community Services Resource Centre Programme is to combat disadvantage and improve the functioning of the family unit. The focus is on strengthening the family’s capacity to provide a nurturing environment for all family members while intervening to address any presenting problems.
The services provided to families include parenting courses and are provided by many of the Family Resource Centres nationwide.
The parenting courses provided include: Strengthening Families Programmes; Incredible Years Programme; Community Mothers Programme; Common Sense Parenting Programme; Early Childhood Studies; Positive Parenting Programme (Triple P) Living with Teens.
Parenting Support can be formal, semi-formal or informal. Parents are made aware of the courses provided in Family Resource Centres through various means including local advertising, newsletters, leaflet drops and word of mouth. Some may be identified through their attendance at other services and activities provided within a Family Resource Centre or through referrals from other support services. The Child and Family Agency website www.tusla.ie also provides information for parents with regard to positive parenting and other parenting courses.
26. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs his views on whether he is satisfied with the operation of Tusla - Child and Family Agency in fulfilling its statutory duties under the Child Care Act 1991 in cases where children are taken into care, with particular reference to re-uniting them with their parents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27315/15]
View answerUnder the Child Care Act 1991, Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, 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, then Tusla has a duty to ensure they receive appropriate care. This may involve providing a social work service up to and including receiving a child into care. A child may be received into care under a voluntary basis or by order of the Courts. The development of the statutory care plan will set out what is in the best interests of the child. When the desired outcome is for the reunification of the child with its parents or guardians, work will take place to try to achieve this aim. This can only happen if it is safe to do so.
The statutory framework also includes regulations, which cover different aspects of the overall service including fostering and residential care. The regulations set out the minimum requirements in delivering these services. In relation to children in care, the regulations set out requirements for the allocation of social workers, completion and review of care plans and the frequency of visits by social workers to the child in their placement. In addition to the regulatory framework, there is a strong and independent inspection regime under the remit of the Health Information and Quality Authority. Tusla publishes performance statistics, including the number of children in care with an allocated social worker and a care plan on a regular basis on its website. My Department engages with Tusla regularly on its performance and budget to ensure that it is meeting its overall objectives.
Intrinsic to the policies and procedures for children in care is that access and contact is facilitated between the child, parents/guardians and siblings, unless there is a substantive reason not to do so or it would cause a child undue distress. It is interesting to note that over recent years there is a significant number of children coming into care for less than a year. According to Tusla figures, 1,151 children spent less than one year in State care in 2012. Also, children in care are a minority of the total number of open cases being managed by Tusla. This indicates that coming to the attention of Tusla does not automatically require entering into care and that when a child does have to be taken into care there is a good chance of being in care for less than a year. It can also be noted that Ireland has a high rate of children in care placed in a family setting, with 93% of children in general or relative foster care at the end of April 2015.
Full engagement takes place with the child and their family with a view to planning the child’s return home. A significant amount of work takes place between social workers and parents/guardians to create a situation where a child can return home with a focus on their welfare and safety. As well as working with the child, the social work service may involve referrals for parent(s) or guardians to supports that will enable the child to return home, including relationship counselling, addiction or mental health services.
27. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs in view of the European Union priority on school completions, the priority the Government places on this issue; and his plans to support school completion programmes. [21873/15]
View answerThe Government places a high priority on combating educational disadvantage and ensuring that each child has the opportunity to achieve his/her potential in education and learning. My Department works closely with the Department of Education and Skills and other relevant Government departments to achieve these aims.
Under the remit of my Department, Tusla, the Child and Family Agency has a statutory function to ensure that each child attends a recognised school or otherwise receives a certain minimum education. The Educational Welfare Service of the Child and Family Agency is a statutory service supporting regular school attendance for all school age children and young people. Where school attendance problems arise for a child, the Agency concentrates on finding solutions within a collaborative intervention framework involving children and their families, schools and other relevant agencies. The aim is to generally improve the school attendance, participation and retention of young people who are risk of early school leaving and educational disadvantage.
The School Completion Programme aims to retain young people in the formal education system to completion of senior cycle. The programme is a targeted intervention aimed at school communities identified through the Department of Education and Skills’ DEIS Action Plan for Educational Inclusion. It provides targeted supports annually to approximately 36,000 children. DEIS is a key measure to address early school leaving in line with Ireland's Europe 2020 Strategy commitments.
Since 1st January 2014, the Child and Family Agency has had operational responsibility for the School Completion Programme. In 2014, an allocation of €24.756 million was provided for the programme. The Agency has confirmed that there will be no change to the overall budget in 2015.
The Child and Family Agency has asked Chairpersons of Local Management Committees to prepare their school retention plans for the 2015/2016 school year based on the expenditure allocated last year and to return them to the Agency by early June. These plans are now being assessed in the Agency and it is anticipated that projects will be notified of their 2015/16 allocation before the start of the new school year.
The ESRI is currently reviewing the School Completion programme which will help in future decisions on its structure, governance and operations. The report is almost finalised and it is expected to be available in the coming weeks.
I have advised the Agency of my commitment to ensuring that there is no diminution in the school completion programme services. The School Completion Programme is an important service within the Agency’s educational welfare services. It is highly regarded as a key response in securing improved educational outcomes for children and young people at risk of early school leaving.
28. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs his plans for the development of the school completion programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27092/15]
View answerThe School Completion Programme aims to retain young people in the formal education system to completion of senior cycle and to improve the school attendance, participation and retention of its target cohort. It is a targeted intervention aimed at school communities identified under the Department of Education and Skills DEIS Action Plan. It involves 124 locally managed projects and provides targeted supports to approximately 36,000 children and young people.
Since 1st January 2014, the Child and Family Agency has had operational responsibility for the School Completion Programme, including the allocation of funds to local projects. In 2014, Tusla allocated €24.756 million. Tusla has confirmed that there will be no change to the overall budget in 2015. Local projects have been advised that consideration is being given to allocating increased funding towards strengthening governance in the Programme.
The Child and Family Agency has asked Chairpersons of Local Management Committees to prepare their school retention plans for the 2015/2016 school year based on the expenditure allocated last year and to return them to the Agency by early June. These plans are now being assessed in the Agency and it is anticipated that projects will be notified of their 2015/16 allocation before the start of the new school year.
The ESRI is currently reviewing the School Completion Programme, which will help in future decisions on its structure, governance and operation. The report is almost finalised and it is expected it will be available shortly.
I have advised the Agency of my commitment to ensuring that there is no diminution in the school completion programme services. The School Completion Programme is an important service within the Agency’s educational welfare services. It is highly regarded as a key response in securing improved educational outcomes for children and young people at risk of early school leaving.
29. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs his views on whether tax breaks for child care, direct funding for child care services, or a combination of both, is more preferable to increasing the availability and accessibility of quality child care; if his Department or agencies under its remit are undertaking research into the experience of other countries regarding the different funding mechanisms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27340/15]
View answerFunding of more than a quarter of a billion euro is provided annually by my Department towards childcare. All childcare programmes supported by my Department currently provide funding directly to childcare providers, either in the form of capitation or subvention payments. This kind of funding mechanism provides the leverage to progressively build the quality of childcare provision, while at the same time making childcare more affordable.
To deliver the free pre-school year under the Early Childhood Care and Education programme, a standard capitation fee of €62.50 per week per eligible child is paid to participating services. To incentivise higher quality, a higher capitation fee of €73 per week is paid per eligible child to services with more highly qualified staff. Parents who qualify for support under this programme can have their annual childcare costs reduced by as much as €2,774 for each qualifying child.
The Community Childcare Subvention programme provides funding to community childcare services to support disadvantaged or low income families, and in the case of full day care, parents can have their weekly childcare costs reduced by up to €95 per week for each qualifying child.
Further childcare support is provided under a number of labour activation measures which support parents returning to the workforce or availing of education or training opportunities. These include the: 1. Childcare Education and Training Supports programme for parents availing of training and education courses; 2. Community Employment Childcare programme for parents in Community Employment schemes; and 3. After-School Childcare programme for after-school care. For these three Programmes, the maximum contribution a parent makes to the cost of childcare is capped at €15 per week for part-time and after-school care and €25 per week in the case of full-day care.
The question of tax allowances for working parents was considered prior to the introduction of these childcare programmes. A number of issues emerged at that time which did not favour the introduction of tax relief for childcare. For example, the introduction of tax credits would not help to support quality improvements within the early years sector and would not help those families on low pay who may not have any tax liability. There is also concern that the application of tax credits could lead to increased prices and therefore have limited impact in terms of savings to parents.
Options for future investment in childcare, including direct funding to services and tax relief for parents, are currently being considered by the Inter-Departmental Group on Future Investment in Early Years and After-School Care and Education, which I established in February this year. This Inter-Departmental Group, which is tasked with setting out a range of options for current and future investment, will consider options to enhance affordability, options to increase the accessibility of provision and options to build the quality of provision and support the sustainability of the early years sector.
The work of the Group is framed by research and evidence of best practice (both national and international) and by existing policy commitments, including those set out in Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures, the National Policy Framework for Children and Young People. The Group has solicited the views of key stakeholders, interested parties and the general public through a number of consultative processes. It will submit a series of recommendations to Government shortly.
30. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the level of responsibility his Department and bodies under its remit, such as Tusla - Child and Family Agency, have for child welfare and protection issues involving children in the direct provision system; and if he will provide an update on interdepartmental deliberations between his Department and the Department of Justice and Equality to confer powers of oversight over the direct provision system to the Ombudsman for Children. [27332/15]
View answerThe direct provision system is under the policy remit of my colleague, the Minister for Justice and Equality. The Department of Justice and Equality has primary responsibility in the area of asylum and immigration. Children living in Direct Provision are in the care of their parent(s). However, any concerns about the welfare, safety or well-being of a child in Direct Provision are reported to Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, in line with Children First guidelines. Tusla has been working closely with the Reception and Integration Agency, which has responsibility for accommodation in the direct provision system, on information sharing protocols. Tusla also has a role in providing care and protection for any unaccompanied minors who present seeking asylum. These children are, by definition, without parents or family in this jurisdiction and Tusla receives them into care on this basis while their applications for asylum are being processed.
The Ombudsman for Children is independent in his function and is directly accountable to the Oireachtas in relation to the exercise of his functions as provided in the Ombudsman for Children Act 2002. As Minister, I have certain functions and responsibilities for the Ombudsman for Children's Office under the Ombudsman for Children Act, 2002. These primarily relate to governance matters, most notably the funding of the Ombudsman for Children's Office through the Vote of my Department. Where matters are to be raised in relation to specific policies, including any need for legislative change he may wish to discuss, the Ombudsman for Children would engage with the relevant Minister directly, in this case the Minister for Justice and Equality. This particular issue was raised by the previous Ombudsman for Children in the report ‘Review of the operation of the Ombudsman for Children Act 2002’ in 2012. My Department engaged on the recommendation contained in that review with the then Minister for Justice and Equality, who considered that no legislative change was required.
On the 30th June 2015 the Report of the Working Group on the Protection Process, including Direct Provision and supports to asylum seekers, was published. The report contains 173 recommendations pertaining to improvements to the current systems and processes. A representative from my Department participated on this Working Group, contributing papers and hosting a subgroup of working group members with a particular interest in children's issues. I welcome the recommendations and look forward engaging with the Minister for Justice and Equality on the recommendations that would involve my Department. I continue to support the Minister for Justice in her drive to implement change in this area and improve the lives of those who need to avail of the protection process.
31. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if the interdepartmental group dealing with child care is taking into account the issue of transportation, or lack of, when dealing with the improvement of afterschool care for children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27364/15]
View answerMy Department currently provides approximately €260 million annually to support a number of childcare support programmes, including the provision of after-school childcare (with and without transportation).
Under the After-School Childcare (ASCC) programme, which was introduced to support low-income families and unemployed people returning to the workforce, a subsidy of €40 per week is paid for an after-school place. This subsidy increases to €80 per week where a pick-up service is provided by the childcare service to take the child from school to the childcare facility.
The Childcare Education and Training Support programme, which was introduced for parents availing of courses provided by Solas or the Education Training Board, also provides support for after-school child care. Under this programme, a €45 subsidy is provided for an after-school place, and where a pick-up service is provided, the subsidy is increased to €80 per week.
The Inter-Departmental Group on Future Investment in Early Years and After-School Care and Education, which I established in February this year is currently finalising its report, which will be submitted to Government shortly. This Inter-Departmental Group, which is tasked with setting out a range of options for current and future investment, will consider options to enhance affordability, options to increase the accessibility of provision and options to build the quality of both early years and after-school childcare. It is therefore likely that transportation will be considered by this Group in the recommendation in relation to after-school childcare.
32. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the current levels of child poverty; the role his Department is taking to alleviate these growing numbers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27091/15]
View answerBetter Outcomes, Brighter Futures: the National Policy Framework for Children and Young People 2014 - 2020 (BOBF), which was published and launched by Government in 2014, provides the overarching framework for the development and implementation of policy and services for children and young people.
As part of the implementation of Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures, Department of Social Protection have identified child poverty as a cross-sectoral priority action for 2015. The Department of Social Protection have the lead role in coordinating government strategies on child poverty and are the Sponsor of outcome 4 of Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures - economic security and opportunity. The Department of Social Protection also has lead responsibility for the National Action Plan for Social Inclusion.
Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures set out a target of lifting over 70,000 children out of consistent poverty by 2020, a reduction of at least two-thirds on the 2011 level.
To inform the development of a multidimensional approach to tackling child poverty, a national seminar on ‘Investing in children – breaking the cycle of disadvantage’ was held with the European Commission and attended by national stakeholders in November 2014. My Department continues to work closely with the Department of Social Protection supporting this multidimensional approach to child poverty.
As regards my own Department there are a number of areas of focus that support this response to child poverty. My Department invests €260 million annually on early childhood care and education and after-school support programmes which provide care to 100,000 children. A number of these programmes are targeted at those on lowest incomes. In addition in early 2015, I established an Inter-Departmental Group on Future Investment in Early Years and After-School Care and Education. The work of the group is focused on identifying policy objectives to guide future investment in this area. This Group will report to Government shortly.
My Department is also leading the implementation of the Area Based Childhood (ABC) Programme (2013-2017). The ABC Programme is co-funded by my Department and The Atlantic Philanthropies and will have a total funding allocation of up to €29.7 million. The ABC Programme draws on best international practice to break the cycle of child poverty where it is most deeply entrenched, and improve the outcomes for children and young people and existing services.
My Department also provides targeted support for disadvantaged, marginalised and at risk young people through a range of schemes totalling €49.93m of funding. The purpose of the forthcoming National Youth Strategy 2015 - 2020 is to enable all young people aged 10 to 24 to realise their maximum potential with regard to the five national outcomes in Better Outcomes, Brighter Future. It will be a universal strategy for all young people. It will have a particular focus on the needs of young people experiencing, or at risk of experiencing the poorest outcomes.
Finally, as part of my Department's response, Tusla, the child and family agency is also responsible for the delivery of educational welfare services which involves intensive intervention and a multidisciplinary approach to address the child's needs and support school attendance. During this period the School Completion Programme provided targeted support to approximately 36,000 children and young people at risk of early school leaving across 124 community based programmes.
Tusla also provides a range of services that offer advice and support to families. This includes over 100 family resource centres. The aim of the Family Resource Centre Programme is to combat disadvantage and improve the functioning of the family unit. The Programme emphasises involving local communities in tackling the problems they face, and creating successful partnerships between voluntary and statutory agencies at community level.
33. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs his plans for greater investment in community youth clubs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27095/15]
View answerMy Department is responsible for the administration of funding for the provision of youth services. The funding schemes support the delivery of a range of universal and targeted youth work programmes and services for young people throughout the country, including those from disadvantaged communities.
The schemes include the Youth Services Grant Scheme, under which funding is provided to 30 national and major regional organisations to support their services. Targeted supports for disadvantaged, marginalised and at risk young people are provided through the Special Projects for Youth Scheme, the Young Peoples Facilities and Services Fund, Rounds 1 and 2, and the Local Drugs Task Force Projects Scheme. Other schemes administered by my Department include the Local Youth Club Grant Scheme and Youth Information Centres. In 2015, an allocation of €49.93m has been provided to my Department to support the provision of youth services.
The Local Youth Club Grant Scheme supports youth work activities at a local level. These grants are made available to all youth clubs and groups through the local Education and Training Boards. The scheme is open to some 1,600 youth groups and clubs, with an estimated 89,000 club members around the country. In 2015, €1.035m has been allocated to this scheme. The scheme, which is open to new entrants, is advertised locally and applications for funding are invited by the Education and Training Boards from local groups in their respective areas. Each year, some 600 local youth clubs benefit from the scheme.
The question of additional investment in the Local Youth Club Grant Scheme will be considered in the context of the resources that are made available to my Department in the Estimates and Budgetary process and my Department's priorities for the future development of the services for young people, in line with the new National Youth Strategy, which will be available shortly.
34. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 225 of 28 April 2015, if the review of the school completion programme has been completed; the actions he intends to take as a result; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27329/15]
View answerSince 1st January 2014, the Child and Family Agency has operational responsibility for the School Completion Programme, including the allocation of funds to local projects. It involves 124 locally managed projects and provides targeted supports to approximately 36,000 children and young people.
The Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) review of the School Completion Programme is almost finalised. I am advised that it is currently in peer review process in the ESRI. It is anticipated that it will be available shortly.
The review will assist in identifying the reforms necessary to consolidate the programme on a sustainable footing for the future. It will, amongst other things, examine the School Completion Programme structures, and how they can best support an integrated approach to address early school leaving.
The preliminary findings of the review indicate that the School Completion Programme encompasses a broad range of measures and interventions that have been developed by local projects to address the needs of children over the years. The findings in the review will cover the processes involved in identifying target children for support, the form and focus of the supports provided and the complexities involved in measuring the outcomes for children at risk of educational disadvantage.
The final report on the review will make findings and recommendations on these aspects of the programme and on strengthening the current governance and programme structures and on the resourcing of the programme.
Tusla has advised that it is the Agency’s intention to engage in widespread consultation with a view to future development of the programme in line with the emerging needs of children.
I have advised the Agency of my commitment to ensuring that there is no diminution in the school completion programme services. The School Completion Programme is an important service within the Agency’s educational welfare services. It is highly regarded as a key response in securing improved educational outcomes for children and young people at risk of early school leaving.
