Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 April 2015
418. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the provisions made to ensure that children in residential care, including in secure units, are receiving the education to which they are entitled; the guidelines applicable for the education provisions for these children; and if he is satisfied that all children in residential care are receiving a proper education. [13933/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Standards for Children's Residential Centres state that supervising social workers and centre management "ensure each young person in the centre has access to appropriate education facilities" and that where possible the social worker tries to continue the child's education in their own school. Educational assessment is part of the planning of a care placement for a child. The child's social worker is responsible for ensuring that the education needs of a child in care are addressed robustly in their care plan and that any specific needs for the child are clearly identified.
The provision of education facilities for children in residential care is made by the Department of Education and Skills, which may involve the local Education and Training Board. The education provision is subject to the monitoring and inspection regime of the Department of Education and Skills. These inspections take into account the circumstances of the school, including the varied experiences of its students. In relation to special care units, children resident in these units take part in a broad and balanced curriculum based on an assessment of need and appropriate to their level of ability and attainment.
In addition the Education and Welfare Service, which is now part of Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, supports regular school attendance for all school age children and young people. Where school attendance problems arise for a child, including a child in residential care, Tusla concentrates on finding solutions within a collaborative intervention framework involving children, families, schools and other relevant agencies.
It is well understood that education is being provided as a right and engagement in education has immediate benefits for a child's life as well as their transition into adulthood. While each individual case may present its own challenges, such as addressing sometimes significant gaps in education that have arisen, I understand that the participation rates in education for children in care are on a par with those seen in the wider community. It is clear that the partnership approach between Tusla and the Department of Education and Skills is ensuring that children in care have access to and do access education.
