Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 October 2016
655. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the reason the provision of the aftercare for young persons is inconsistent across the country; and the reason there is an exclusion clause for young persons who are admitted to the care system at 17 years of age (details supplied). [30597/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the current National Leaving and Aftercare Policy of Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, all young people leaving care who have been in care for 12 months on their 16th birthday or for 12 consecutive months prior to their 18th birthday are entitled to an aftercare plan. Tusla is currently reviewing the National Leaving and Aftercare Policy in line with the Child Care (Amendment) Act 2015. Tusla welcomes this new legislation which will place the provision of an aftercare plan on a statutory footing. Tusla will continue to work in partnership with other state agencies to ensure that care leavers are provided with a robust and comprehensive aftercare plan.
Data provided by Tusla show that in the first six months of 2016, approximately 315 young people were discharged from care by reason of turning 18. Of these, 98% were assessed as being eligible for an aftercare service (308), but only 90% were availing of the aftercare service (280). A breakdown of the data by region is provided in the following table:
|
2016 Aftercare Data to June 2016 |
The number of Children in Care turning 18 |
No. eligible for an Aftercare service |
|
Dublin Mid Leinster |
67 |
61 |
|
Dublin North East |
123 |
123 |
|
South |
80 |
79 |
|
West |
45 |
45 |
|
Total |
315 |
308 |
The transition to independent adulthood can be challenging for many young people and a key factor in achieving success is ensuring that assessment, preparation and planning for leaving care begins in the years prior to leaving care and continues as part of the care planning process. This work is based on collaboration with the young person, their carers and partner agencies to generate an aftercare plan that is specific to the individual young person's needs.
The supports provided to the young person will be based on their assessed needs which can vary widely. Advice, guidance, support and signposting are key elements of this service and these supports are available to all care leavers. For those young people who are not in training or education, aftercare services have a key role in providing support to them in liaising with the relevant departments and agencies in accessing financial assistance, employment opportunities, training or supporting them to return to education.
Tusla became aware that a situation had evolved historically where there were different rates of financial supports being made available for young people leaving care around the country. In July 2015, as part of the implementation of its national policy, Tusla addressed this inequitable approach and introduced a Standardised National Aftercare Allowance of €300 per week.
