Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 5 April 2017
355. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the support services available to children who may be at risk as result of being undocumented non-nationals here with special regards to counties Sligo and Leitrim; the measures taken to protect such children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16904/17]
View answerThe Child Care Act, 1991 applies to all children resident in the State, irrespective of their immigration status. Under the Child Care Act, 1991 and the Child and Family Agency Act 2013, Tusla has a duty to promote the welfare of children who are not receiving adequate care or protection. The Agency is obliged to provide care for these children for as long as their welfare requires it.
Children living in direct provision are in the care of their parent(s). Concerns about the welfare, safety or well-being of a child in direct provision are reported to Tusla in line with Children First guidelines. Tusla seconded an experienced social worker to the Reception and Integration Agency, in the Department of Justice and Equality, to liaise directly between Direct Provision and Tusla services.
Children First National Guidance (2011) gives advice for notifying Tusla of situations where abuse is suspected. A range of professionals including teachers, nurses, early years educators, Gardaí and other health professionals, who see children regularly, are in a good position to identify children at risk. Where someone has reasonable grounds for suspecting a child is being, or has been, abused, they are expected to immediately contact Tusla.
If a child is taken into care, their needs are given priority. A social worker is assigned to a child placed in State care and has a duty to prepare and regularly review the care plan for the child. Intrinsic to this process is ensuring that the wishes of the child are listened to, and if appropriate, Tusla may assist them in establishing residency.
Unaccompanied asylum seeking children are placed in care and have their needs assessed, and are allocated a social worker.
