Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 July 2016
883. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the degree to which she expects to be in a position to ensure that children or young adults at risk or deemed to be at risk do not remain in or are not allowed to return to the accommodation where the risk has occurred; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24038/16]
View answerWhere there is an obvious ongoing risk to a child, whether in their family home or in a care placement, the child has to be made safe. That involves either removing the risk or removing the child. The impact of removing a child from their home is a serious one with possible adverse implications for them, and so should only be done where there is no alternative and where it is based on an assessment of the best interests of the child.
In the case of young adults, Tusla works with young people who are in receipt of an aftercare service. Tusla aftercare staff endeavour to guide and advise young adults regarding safety, but they cannot compel a young person. Tusla also 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.
Children First legislation, enacted but not yet commenced, places an obligation on organisations providing services to children, to identify risks to the protection of children, and to take steps to modify such risks.
