Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 March 2017
828. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if Tusla will put in place a universally agreed allegations procedure for use by families that foster children; the reason such a procedure has not been agreed with the stakeholders; the reason their demands have been ignored; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11528/17]
View answerThe information sought by the Deputy has been requested from the Child and Family Agency and I will respond directly to the Deputy when the information is received.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 42A:
Since my holding reply to Parliamentary Question (11528/17) of 7 March 2017, I have received the following information from Tusla, the Child and Family Agency.
I have been informed by Tusla that it adheres to the Children First National Guidance on the Protection and Welfare of Children, 2011 in responding to all allegations of child protection and welfare concerns. Since its approval in Sept 2014 a national policy was implemented ‘Policy & Procedures for Responding to Allegations of Child Abuse & Neglect’ to ensure a standardised approach in responding to and assessing all child protection and welfare concerns relating to children regardless of their care status.
Over the last two years following much feedback from social work teams, foster carers and the Irish Association of Foster Carers, Tusla has recognised that this policy required review, to acknowledge the role of foster care, and has committed to the development of a National Guidance for Responding to Child Protection and Welfare Concerns in Foster Care. This new policy and procedure document is expected to be complete in Quarter 2, 2017.
Tusla is unable to comment on the issue of ‘demands being ignored” as it is unaware of which stakeholder this refers to but would welcome engagement with this person/agency in respect of such matters.
I trust that this information is helpful.
