Anne Rabbitte
Ceist:664. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the steps her Department has taken to address an issue (details supplied) and alleviate this crisis. [30799/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 18 October 2016
Ceisteanna (664)
Freagraí scríofa
I agree with the Deputy that no young person leaving State care should have to access homeless services in order to be provided with accommodation.
As part of the structures to address this and other issues, aftercare is 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. Every year, between 450 and 500 young people leave the care of the State. Tusla has advised that, as at the end of June 2016, almost half of young adults receiving an aftercare service remained living with their former foster families. Young people who do not have family support from a foster carer or family base are assisted in finding accommodation in supported lodgings, sheltered housing or independent accommodation and encouraged and supported financially in furthering their training and education.
The young people most vulnerable to homelessness as care leavers are those leaving residential or short-term foster care placements. Children, who come into care late, in their mid to late teens, may not have developed the relationships with staff or aftercare workers that help them achieve good outcomes. It is essential that these young people have an opportunity to develop a relationship with a dedicated aftercare worker who will work with them to identify their needs and ensure that services are in place to help provide them with the stability and support they need.
In addition to the aftercare planning and supports provided by Tusla, Rebuilding Ireland – the Action Plan for Housing and Homelessness commits to ensuring that young people leaving State care and at risk of homelessness are identified and catered for through appropriate housing and other supports. Tusla are currently examining how they might avail of Capital Assistance Scheme funding to provide accommodation for particularly vulnerable young people leaving State care. I understand that Tusla will shortly be engaging with Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) with a view to identifying suitable accommodation for care leavers for progression under the Scheme.