Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 July 2016
460. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 239 and 240 of 26 April 2016, the reason a number of young persons leaving the care of the State at 18 years of age were found ineligible for an aftercare service; the assessment undertaken to ascertain the level of support required by these young persons; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22958/16]
View answerFormal planning for a child who is leaving care normally begins when they turn 16 years of age and an aftercare plan is expected to be in place in the run up to their 18th birthday. Ninety-four per cent of children in care who turned 18 years during 2014 and assessed as needing an aftercare service were offered a service. At the end of March 2016, 121 young adults were discharged from care due to reaching 18 years; 90% of those availing of an aftercare service had an allocated aftercare worker.
Currently, Section 45 of the Child Care Act 1991 provides that Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, may assist a child leaving its care if it is satisfied that the person has a need for assistance. Currently, Tusla is operating under the 'Leaving and Aftercare Services - National Policy & Procedure" document from 2011. The policy specifies that the core eligible age range for aftercare is 18 years and up to the age of 21 years of age. This may be extended for those in full-time education to complete their course of education.
The policy also includes parameters for the provision of services, including the following:
- A young person should have been in care for a minimum of 12 consecutive months after their 16th birthday, prior to their 18th birthday,
or,
- A young person should have been in care for a minimum of 12 consecutive months on their 16th birthday.
It should be noted that young adults leaving care at 18 years are not obliged to avail of an aftercare service, and those that choose not to engage are encouraged and supported to avail of the services at any stage up to the age of 21 years.
The Child Care (Amendment) Act 2015 was signed into law in December of last year and is awaiting commencement. The Act is primarily concerned with aftercare - the planning and support put in place to meet the needs of a young person who is leaving statutory care at 18 years of age, to assist him or her in making the transition to independent living. The Act obliges Tusla, following an assessment of need, to prepare an aftercare plan identifying relevant aftercare supports for an eligible child or eligible young person.
An eligible child means a child aged 16 years or over who has spent at least 12 months in the care of the State between the ages of 13 and (up to) 18 years old. An eligible adult means a young person aged 18, 19 or 20 who has spent at least 12 months in the care of the State between the ages of 13 and 18 years old.
