Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 3 February 2022
352. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of migrant children who have gone missing from Tusla's care in 2020 and 2021; the number of these children who have been located; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5800/22]
View answerThe Deputy is seeking information on the numbers of separated children seeking international protection who have gone missing from care in 2020 and 2021. As this is an operational matter for Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, I have referred the matter to Tusla, and asked that a direct response be provided to the Deputy .
Tusla has a dedicated social work team for Separated Children Seeking International Protection (SCSIP). Over the past 20 years the SCSIP Team has developed expertise through Ireland’s participation in International Refugee Protection Programmes and by caring for the greater number of separated children seeking international protection who arrive unannounced at Irish ports and airports.
Children who are reported missing from care are recognised as being among the most vulnerable in society. Tusla and An Garda Síochána work together on such cases through a Joint Protocol. The protocol sets out how social workers and social care workers should make a report of a missing child in care; when and how information about the child may be released to the public if the child is not located and arrangements for the return of the child to their care placement when they are found.
