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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 6 Jun 1996

Vol. 466 No. 5

Written Answers. - Young People Leaving Residential Care.

Trevor Sargent

Ceist:

94 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Health whether he has responded to a call by the Irish Association of Care Workers for the establishment of a Government task force to ensure that the hundreds of teenagers leaving residential centres each year do not end up homeless and marginalised. [11916/96]

I have not received any request from the Irish Association of Care Workers to establish a Government task force on this matter. Section 45 of the Child Care Act, 1991, which was brought into operation on 31 October 1995, enables health boards to provide support and assistance to young people who have left the care of the board until they attain 21 years of age. It also allows boards to arrange for an individual to complete his or her education in cases where they are over 21 years of age.

I am aware of the need to ensure that effective measures are taken in order that young people receive support on leaving care in making the transition to independent living. The draft Guide to Standards in Children's Residential Centres published by my Department, contains guidelines on steps health boards and residential centres should take to prepare young people for independent living. It is intended, following consultation with the health boards, that the draft Guide to Standards in Children's Residential Centres will form the basis for the drafting of regulations this year on the registration of children's residential centres pursuant to Part VIII of the Child Care Act, 1991.

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