Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 September 2015
683. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if he will provide support to the Irish Network of Foster Carers in their efforts to protect vulnerable children (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31354/15]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, the pre-legislative scrutiny process is designed to help improve legislation by allowing Oireachtas Committees to discuss the Heads of legislation at an early stage, to consider issues raised by stakeholders, and to prepare a short report for the relevant Minister. While carried out on behalf of the Government Department responsible for the legislation, all such processes are conducted by the relevant Oireachtas Committees independent of the associated Departments.
I have been advised by the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Health and Children that the general process for pre-legislative scrutiny is that upon receiving the Heads of a Bill, the Committee receives a briefing paper / advice from the independent Library and Research Service, which includes suggestions with regard to the most appropriate approach for stakeholder consultation. The Committee may also wish to invite stakeholders to discussions based on submissions and / or concerns already expressed. The Oireachtas Joint Committee on Health and Children has assured me that it does not exclude any stakeholder from the consultation process.
Some 93% of children in State care today are cared for in foster homes, many of whom are supported to continue living with their foster parents after reaching 18 years of age. Without doubt, the commitment and dedication demonstrated by foster carers towards the children in their care profoundly impact the lives of those children as they become young adults and embark upon life after care. As such, I recognise that the insights of those caring for them are extremely valuable and insights that I welcome.
With regard to the implementation of the National Leaving and Aftercare Policy, 2011, Tusla – the Child and Family Agency has advised me that the policy, which provides a framework for the delivery of aftercare services nationally, was signed off in April, 2011. An implementation plan was developed outlining key work to be undertaken by Tusla in order to ensure full compliance with the National Leaving and Aftercare Policy. That implementation plan has resulted in the introduction of several new practices, including the establishment of steering groups, the development of dedicated teams, and the standardisation of the aftercare allowance. Tusla continues to review its current policy to reflect new legislative changes. In so doing, Tusla will continue to work in partnership with agencies that represent the views of children in care and foster carers.
Tusla is in the process of establishing full dedicated teams nationally along with operational steering groups in each area. Tusla has also advised that at the end of March, this year, 78% of 18-22 years olds in receipt of an aftercare service had an aftercare plan while 81% had an aftercare worker.
In relation to the issue of homelessness for care leavers, Tusla reports that at the end of March, 2015, the vast majority of 18-22 years olds in receipt of an aftercare service were residing in some form of stable accommodation. In fact, 45% of those care leavers remained living with their foster carers, 23% were living independently, 11% returned home, 4% were living in supported lodgings and 5.5% were living in residential centres. Only a small minority (11.5%) were living in other types of less stable accommodation. While significant progress has already been made, work continues in my Department and Tusla to reduce the risk of vulnerable young care leavers finding themselves homeless or in unstable or unsuitable accommodation.
