Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 April 2015
415. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if he is aware that payments to full-time foster parents of high-needs children are currently being reduced when families need to avail of short-term respite; and if he will provide the date from which this policy has been implemented. [14125/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra423. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if he is aware that payments to full-time foster parents of high-needs children are currently being reduced when families need to avail of short-term respite. [14126/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 415 and 423 together.
The National Respite Care Policy was reviewed in May 2013 and is current policy in Tusla, the Child and Family Agency. In line with the 2013 policy, the fostering allowance follows the child and is therefore deducted from the main carer and paid to the foster carers providing the respite care. In circumstances where respite from home is being provided by foster carers an allowance will be paid to them from Tusla's fostering budget.
Fostering care allowances are provided in order to allow foster carers meet all of the child’s daily living needs, e.g. food, clothing, school uniform, school books, extra-curricular activities, school trips, pocket money (depending on the age of the child), and treats such as toys, games or holidays. The Tusla Alternative Care Practice Handbook notes that the allowance "is not a wage or salary for the carers". The foster care allowance is currently €325 per week per child up to 12 years of age, and €352 per week per child over 12 years of age. The foster care allowance is tax exempt.
Respite care is defined in the National Standards for Foster Care as ‘short term care provided to a child in order to support the child, his or her parent(s) or foster carers by providing a break for the child and his or her primary caregivers’. It is acknowledged that respite care can play an invaluable role in supporting children to remain at home, and during placement breakdown. Where a child is in care, the issue of respite periods would be considered in the context of the best interests of the child. Respite care would not feature in all placements, and would normally be included as part of the child's care plan if it is to be availed of during the placement. Where planned respite care is for a period of less than a week, then a pro-rata payment is made based on the foster care allowance for a full week.
