Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 March 2017
314. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her plans to engage with organisations (details supplied) to ensure aftercare support for those leaving State care on their 18th birthday; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12336/17]
View answerI am pleased to inform the Deputy that officials from my Department met with the organisation referred to in December 2016. At this meeting, my officials provided updates on a number of areas including children in care and forthcoming legislation on Children First and Aftercare and listened carefully to the views of the organisation referred to on the future development of aftercare services.
Tusla has consulted widely with relevant stakeholders in preparation for the reforms on aftercare supports and has included consultation with foster carers, young people who had been in care, aftercare staff, social work staff, NGO's, private foster care and residential care providers and other state departments. All have been invited to events and offered the opportunity to make written submissions.
My officials have consulted widely with relevant stakeholders in preparation for the reforms on aftercare supports including meetings with Empowering Children in Care (EPIC), Irish Foster Care Association (IFCA), Irish Association of Social Workers and Social Care Ireland as well as the organisation referred to and other relevant stakeholders.
