Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 28 January 2016
222. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs how many children in care normally progress to adoption or fosterage or return to their families; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3666/16]
View answerA child may be received into care under a voluntary basis or by order of the Courts. 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. Provisional figures from Tusla show that of the 1,360 children discharged from care in 2014, 83.2% returned home to their families, with the remainder opting for independent living, supported lodgings or remaining with their carers. Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, has a duty to ensure that returning a child to their parent or guardians is both safe and in their best interests. Sadly, this is not always possible.
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 October 2015 (5,865/6,331). This is the preferred option for children who cannot live with their parents. According to the Adoption Authority of Ireland Annual Report 2014, there were 24 adoption orders made for children in long term foster care in that year.
Question No. 223 answered with Question No. 216.
