Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 February 2017
273. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the supports in place for young persons in care who have little or no family support and who are identified as at particular risk of homelessness to prevent these persons going from care to homelessness; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8971/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAftercare is a 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. Every year approximately 450 young people leave the care of the State. These young people are offered a wide range of services from different sectors including income supports, health supports, accommodation and education.
A significant number of young people leaving care remain living with their foster carers. Those 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 care leavers most vulnerable to homelessness 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.
The Child Care (Amendment) Act 2015 was signed into law in December 2015. It entitles eligible young people to a formal aftercare plan, prepared by Tusla in collaboration with the young person leaving care. In preparation for the commencement of this new legislation, Tusla has introduced a number of new practices. It has developed dedicated aftercare teams, it has standardised the financial supports that it offers to those leaving care, and it continues to roll out inter-agency steering committees to strongly promote good co-ordination of these services at local level.
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. The provision of accommodation for young people leaving State care is now eligible for funding under the Capital Assistance Scheme operated by the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government. Under the Capital Assistance Scheme, Approved Voluntary Bodies provide accommodation to meet special housing needs such as those of the elderly, disabled or disadvantaged in their area. Tusla and DCYA have commenced discussion on developing criteria for proposals under the Capital Assistance Scheme. In relation to any accommodation provided under this scheme, Tusla will provide supports, particular for the most vulnerable Care Leavers, in accordance with the pre-agreed aftercare plan.
In addition, Tusla has redistributed the protocol developed between Tusla and the Housing Authorities in 2014 on young people leaving state care. The aim of this protocol is to ensure that the necessary measures are in place to prevent homelessness for young people leaving state care. This will be applied and considered within aftercare steering groups.
