Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 14 December 2016
59. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if her department plans any specific measures to give particular attention to vulnerable children in the Christmas period; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40015/16]
View answerTusla, the Child and Family Agency, local duty social work teams will put in place arrangements to appropriately monitor and action cases, ensuring continuity of service to vulnerable children during the Christmas period.
Tusla also provides a range of services aimed at addressing emergency situations which arise out of hours. The Out of Hours Service is provided 365 days a year outside of normal office hours including Saturdays, Sundays and Bank holidays. This service can be contacted directly by An Garda Síochána, hospital staff or other professionals who have a concern regarding the safety and welfare of a child outside of normal office hours. Where a young person is referred or self refers out of office hours and are out of home and seeking accommodation, an initial social work assessment is carried out to ensure the safety and welfare of the young person. For a young person who is out of home who requires accommodation for the night, there are a number of placement options available suited to the child's age and vulnerability. An emergency placement may be provided until the next working day when the case can be referred to the local Tusla Social Work Department.
The aim of Emergency Out-of-Hours Social Work Services is to ensure that the disruption and upset to which children may be exposed in emergency situations is minimised and the rights of parents and guardians are respected.
