Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 March 2017
626. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the extent to which support services can be made available to children who might be at risk as a result of being undocumented non-nationals; the extent to which particular measures are taken to protect such children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15454/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Child Care Act, 1991 applies to all children resident in the State. Under the Child Care Act, 1991 and the Child and Family Agency Act 2013, Tusla has a duty to promote the welfare of children who are not receiving adequate care or protection. The Agency is obliged to provide care for these children for as long as their welfare requires it.
Children First National Guidance (2011) gives advice for notifying Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, of situations where abuse is suspected. A range of professionals including teachers, nurses, early years educators, Gardai and other health professionals, who see children regularly, are in a good position to identify children at risk. Where someone has reasonable grounds for suspecting a child is being, or has been, abused, they are expected to immediately contact Tusla. The Children First Act, 2015, once it is fully commenced, will place a statutory obligation on key professionals (mandated persons) to report concerns of harm above a defined threshold to Tusla without delay. It is my intention that these provisions will be commenced by the end of 2017.
If a child is taken into care, their needs are given priority. A social worker is assigned to a child placed in State care and has a duty to prepare and regularly review the care plan for the child. Intrinsic to this process is ensuring that the wishes of the child are listened to, and if appropriate, Tusla may assist them in establishing residency.
Unaccompanied asylum seeking children are placed in care and have their needs assessed, and are allocated a social worker.
Children who, with their parents, live in Direct Provision, are provided with welfare supports as required. Tusla seconded an experienced social worker to the Department of Justice and Equality to liaise directly between Direct Provision and Tusla services.
