Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 May 2015
575. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if a programme is available for young persons leaving State care (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20669/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAftercare is the term used to describe the planning and support put in place to meet the needs of a young person who is leaving statutory care at 18 years of age, to assist him/her in making the transition to independent living. An aftercare programme is based on an assessed need, and an aftercare worker can make arrangements for various supports, including support for accommodation, and accessing training and education. Programmes for life skills can be provided if this is one of the assessed needs of the child who is preparing to leave care.
Aftercare workers are provided both by Tusla as well as through services that are commissioned from community, voluntary and private organisations. Funding is also made available to support a person who is to remain on with their foster family as part of their aftercare plan. In other cases, funding supports are available to facilitate independent living or supported lodgings. I understand that Tusla provides age appropriate information for young people preparing to leave care, and has plans for further accessible information on diet, money management and other basic life skills.
The Government has decided to amend the legislative provisions regarding aftercare. The aim is to create a clear statement of Tusla’s duty to satisfy itself as to the child’s or young person’s need for assistance by preparing a plan that identifies those needs for aftercare supports. It is anticipated that the Aftercare Bill will be published shortly.
