Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 December 2013
385. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the current number of children in care who are placed with relative foster carers; and if she will report on the number of these relative foster carers who have received training and support from the Health Service Executive’s children and family services before the children have been placed with them. [51870/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe HSE compiles monthly performance reports which include statistics in relation to children in care. These reports are published on the HSE website. The latest published report shows that there were 6,465 children in the care of the HSE in September 2013, of which 1,888 (29.2%) were placed with relative foster carers.
All prospective foster carers or applicants undergo an assessment and training process to establish their suitability and competence as future foster carers. The assessment is undertaken by a social worker from the local fostering team and includes Garda vetting, internal HSE checks to establish previous involvement with child protection services, a medical assessment, personal interviews in the applicant’s home and if the applicant(s) have children, the social worker will also talk to them about being part of a foster family. The social worker's report is then presented to the Foster Care committee for approval, including a recommendation as to the age of the child and type of foster care suitable to the applicant(s). All approved foster carers are entered on a panel of approved 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 may occur before full approval of the committee is in place. Such emergency placements are provided for in the regulations. Prior to 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.
The HSE has advised me that they do not collect information on the numbers of relative foster carers who receive training before children are placed with them. However, training is provided regularly for all foster carers including relatives. The importance of attending training is emphasised as part of the assessment process and through the relative carer's link social worker.
