Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 October 2016
680. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her plans to examine the issue of young persons under voluntary care orders who do not have the same level of legal protection and where birth parents are consulted regarding consent issues (details supplied). [30914/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraSection 4 of the Child Care Act 1991 provides for parents to request or agree to their children being taken into the care of the Child and Family Agency on a voluntary basis. In these cases, while the Agency has care of the children it must consider the parents’ wishes as to how the care is provided. The Agency is obliged to provide care for these children for as long as their welfare requires it. Arrangements under section 4 can be terminated at any stage by the parents, if they so wish.
As the Deputy is aware, foster care is the placement of children outside their own home with carers who are not their parents as their parents are unable or unwilling to look after them. The foster care arrangement can also be entered into on a voluntary basis, as outlined. Foster carers work closely with social workers, parents and other professionals who are involved in the children's lives, as well as of course with the children themselves.
Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures: The National Policy Framework for Children and Young People, 2014 – 2020, contains a commitment to review and reform, as necessary, the Child Care Act 1991. My Department has initiated work to pursue this commitment, including initial engagement with the Child and Family Agency. All matters relevant to the situation of children in care, including the usage of voluntary care orders, will be considered in the context of the Review.
