The primary responsibility in respect of the delivery of services for children in foster care and residential care lies with Tusla, the Child and Family Agency. Budget 2024 brought Tusla’s allocated to €1.038 billion. This funding will allow Tusla to begin to address some of the increased demand for Tusla services, including increasing capacity in respect of residential care provision in line with commitments contained within Tusla’s Strategic Plan for Residential Care Services for Children and Young People 2022-2025. Further, Tusla has developed a range of Strategic Plans across the continuum of care, which outline increased investment and commitments to improvement of services for children and young people in care.
In respect of foster care and as outlined in Budget 2024, from 1st January 2024 the rates of the foster care allowance will increase by €25 per week, up to €350 per week for children aged under 12 and €377 per week for those over 12. The foster care allowance will be further increased in November 2024, up to €400 per week for children aged under 12 and €425 per week for those over 12.
In respect of the protection of children in the home, where there may be child welfare concerns, the onus falls on all of us to report concerns that a child may have been, is being, or is at risk of being abused or neglected. Tusla has developed a comprehensive referral system through which organisations, the public and mandated people can share their concerns for a child potentially at risk of neglect or abuse.
I will continue to engage closely with relevant stakeholders, including Tusla, to improve the delivery of high quality care to children and young people.
