Dáil Éireann Debate, Friday - 7 September 2018
1184. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the estimated number of siblings placed in fosterage or adoption; if her Department sought to provide for the reunification of separated siblings; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36989/18]
View answerI am advised by Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, that figures on the number of siblings placed in foster care are not centrally collated at this time. The National Standards for Foster Care specify that siblings should be placed together where this is in their interest and within the advised limits of the number of children that can be placed in a foster home.
When a child enters foster care, the assessed needs and best interests of the child are Tusla's primary concern.
Placement of sibling groups in foster care requires special consideration. Tusla aims to prioritise the placing of sibling groups together in foster care through the matching of children’s assessed needs with that of the carers. The assessment of need will indicate the needs of the child in relation to their sibling group and will support the matching process between the child/ siblings with the foster carers.
In the event that sibling groups are not placed together Tusla will endeavour to support placements within the same community or as close as possible to allow for regular contact.
Care planning for siblings entering, or about to enter care should assess the relationship between siblings, along with the needs and best interests of the children, and determine whether placing together or separately is the most appropriate option. A decision to place siblings separately must be supported by substantial evidence that such a placement is in the best interests of the children involved.
