Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 September 2012
1470. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her plans to introduce vetting in respect of persons taking charge of foster children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37640/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Child Care Act, 1991 the Health Service Executive has a statutory duty to promote the welfare of children who are not receiving adequate care and protection. The majority of children in care are in foster care, one third of whom are placed with relatives. Foster care applicants undergo an assessment and training process to establish their suitability and competence. This process has six stages Application, Assessment by a social worker, Garda vetting, medical and referenced checks, including garda checks of adult children of the foster carers living at home, Approval by the Fostering Committee, Approval of the ‘match’ between the foster carers with the Care Plan of the prospective child. Placement of a child with the foster carers.
When a child is being placed in foster care, the suitability of a placement with relatives is explored in the first instance. Where the HSE is satisfied that an immediate placement with relatives is in the interests of the child, such placement frequently occurs before full approval of the committee is in place. Such emergency placements are provided for in regulation. Prior to and during the early stages of a placement, the relative is assessed by a principal social worker, including early Garda vetting. This is followed by a full assessment and approval by the foster care committee as outlined above.
