Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 December 2023
113. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the extent to which Tusla remains well placed to protect children who may be in danger of becoming homeless or are under potential threat of abuse from whatever source; the degree to which all complaints are adequately investigated and followed up in all circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55727/23]
View answerTusla is cognisant of the challenges the current housing crisis poses for the families they work with in communities across the country, and young people who receive services or are in aftercare.
Given the multiple and complex needs which often underpin homelessness, Tusla recognises homelessness as not just a housing issue but an issue that affects how Tusla practitioners and Tusla-funded organisations work with children and families. Tusla seeks to support children and families to live happy and fulfilled lives and where difficulties arise, to support them in managing these challenges so that children are not harmed. This can be more challenging when families are homeless and their ability to maintain connections with the extended family and support networks are diminished.
Referrals to Tusla are made in line with Children First Guidance and Legislation. The immediate safety of the child is the first consideration for Screening/ Intake Social Workers when receiving a report and whether urgent action is required. All reports to Tusla should be screened on the day they are received, irrespective of the source. When screening the report, Tusla also considers whether the worries relate to other children in the family.
In addition, Tusla workers also consider whether the report is mandated under the Children First Act 2015, when a report is submitted by a mandated person when they have any knowledge, belief, or reasonable suspicion that a child has been harmed, is being harmed, or is at risk of being harmed. The Act defines harm as assault, ill-treatment, neglect, or sexual abuse, and covers single and multiple instances.
The current housing crisis requires a whole-of-government approach under ‘Housing For All’, with a multitude of key stakeholders playing a vital role in addressing the fundamental issues arising in addressing homelessness. Whilst Tusla does not have a role in securing homeless accommodation, they do advocate strongly for these services on behalf of children and families who are engaged with their services. Tusla works in partnership with Local Authorities, the Health Services Executive and the community and voluntary sector focusing on prevention and early intervention community-based family support through Children and Young Peoples Services Committees (CYPSC) and Child and Family Support Networks. Tusla’s high-level actions are outlined in the ‘Dublin Regional Homeless Executive Homelessness Action Plan and ‘Youth Homelessness Strategy
Tusla Educational Support Service has a designated Educational Welfare Officer for families who are experiencing homelessness and require a school place for their child.
Family Support staff and Children and Young Peoples Services Committees (CYPSC) throughout the country are providing support to parents and their children.
My Department and Tusla will continue to engage on a regular basis regarding issues impacting on children in the care of the State, including those at risk of homelessness.
Tusla's founding legislation contains strong provisions in relation to complaints against Tusla. Tusla take complaints seriously and report on levels of complaints and compliments in each of their annual reports. All complaints to Tusla are recorded on the National Incident Management System. Data for the last complete year of 2022 show that Tusla witnessed a continued increase in local resolution of complaints, with 62.14% being locally resolved, which is an increase on the 2021 percentage.
I would like to advise the Deputy that Tusla will receive a record high level of funding for 2024 which will exceed €1.1bn and I feel that equips Tusla well to deal with the serious matters they are facing. My Department and I will continue to work with Tusla as they help families and children in need.
