Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 July 2016
17. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of children in residential care here, indicating the units and numbers and the private service providers and numbers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22970/16]
View answerThere were 343 children in residential care at the end of April 2016.
- This represents approximately 5% of all children in care.
- Just over half, 185 children, were in private residential care centres.
- I have been informed that there are currently 146 children's residential centres, of which - 81 are privately managed, Tusla manages 39 and 26 are managed by voluntary bodies.
- The most recent figures available show that about 70% of children in residential care are aged 15, 16 and 17 years.
- Children in care, whether in Tusla or privately run centres, remain in the statutory care of Tusla. They should have an allocated social worker and a care plan, developed in partnership with their carers.
- Private children residential centres are registered, inspected and have a service level agreement in place. The placement of a child in private centres is made in accordance with Tusla's Placement Protocols.
