Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 May 2015
574. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of young persons in State care who have not been allocated a social worker; the action that is being taken to ensure that all young persons who need a social worker have access to one; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20668/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe latest figures available show that in February 2015 there were 6,393 children in the care of Tusla, the Child and Family Agency. Of these, nearly 93% are in foster care, either with relatives or a general foster placement. Of all children in care, over 92% (5,878) have an allocated social worker and 90% (5,739) have an up to date written care plan. This indicates that 515 children in care are without a dedicated social worker and that there were 654 who did not have an updated care plan.
The policy in place and utilised by Tusla states that all children coming into care, and those in high risk placements, have an allocated social worker. Maternity leave, vacancies and competing priorities all contribute to gaps in staffing, which can cause strain on the allocation of social workers. I would note that figures provided by Tusla for children with a written care plan only include care plans that have formally completed the review process required under the Child Care Regulations 1995. Where a review is taking place, the existing care plan remains in place.
According to Tusla policy, where a child is awaiting the allocation of a social worker, they are responded to by a duty team on a risk management basis for any change in circumstances. During this time, specific pieces of work on the child's case may be undertaken by staff working in the duty system. Also, structures are in place to regulate and inspect service provision, including the independent inspection regime of the Health Information and Quality Authority. I am satisfied that, overall, the necessary services and supports are in place to ensure the care and welfare of children in State care.
