Tusla provides regular data to my Department on its operation of Special Emergency Arrangements (SEAs), which includes the age range of the children currently in those placements. This data indicates that, as of the week ending 31st March 2024, there were four children under the age of 12 placed in SEAs, out of a total number of 172 SEAs.
Both Tusla and I are concerned about that Agency’s reliance on SEAs, and share a common aim to meet the needs of these children in mainstream alternative care placements. I am advised by Tusla that its procedures ensure SEAs are only utilised where no alternative placement is available.
except in exceptional circumstances. Unfortunately, this can occur in circumstances where a child requires a place of immediate safety including as a result of a placement breakdown, and where no mainstream alternative care placement is available for the child in the short term, either alone or with their sibling group.
Every effort is being made by Tusla, supported by my Department, to increase capacity in mainstream alternative care. In the interim, specific measures are being taken by Tusla to promote and support the quality and safety of these placements.
I note that the Deputy has referred to a derogation in relation to SEAs, and in this regard the Deputy has referenced to derogations in relation to residential care. I am informed that neither the Child Care Act 1991, nor the Child Care (Placement of Children in Residential Care) Regulations (1995) and the Child Care (Standards in Children's Residential Centres) Regulations (1996) specify an age range for children in relation to their placement by Tusla in residential care. However, it is my understanding that In general, Tusla endeavour to place children under 12 in foster care.
