Vol. 453 No. 5
40 Mr. L. Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Health if he has considered the establishment of a national child care authority in view of the ongoing problems in health boards; and if he will clarify his commitment to the annual conference of the Irish Association of Social Workers to resolve once and for all the problem of special care facilities for children regarded as being out of control. [9453/95]
Limerick East): Under the Child Care Act, 1991, statutory responsibility for the provision of child care services, including services for homeless children, is vested in the health boards. I have no plans to change these arrangements.
I am aware of the difficulties that currently exist in relation to the provision of accomodation for certain adolescents whose behaviour is such that they cannot be cared for within the existing range of child care facilities. The health boards have developed a variety of responses to try to care for these children, including the establishment of special fostering schemes and other special care arrangements. While these initiatives have had some success, it has become apparent that a number of specialised residential centres providing intensive therapy need to be provided.
I am currently making arrangements for the establishment of special child care facilities by the health boards to provide care in a controlled environment for children who are out of control but have not been convicted of offences. As a first step, it is proposed to develop special residential facilities in the Eastern Health Board area. The board is currently assessing the requirements in terms of accommodation, staff numbers, training and skills mix and the cost implications, both revenue and capital. There are to be further discussions between the board and the Department when this process is completed. It is planned to have the first such facility in place by the autumn of this year.
