I thank the Deputy for the explanation of her question. The information requested by the Deputy is not available at present. Tusla’s existing information systems do not directly track movements of children from voluntary to full care orders. However, I am pleased to say the national child care information system, which is being rolled out nationally, will greatly improve information about these trends, including each child’s pathway through the care system. At present, Tusla collects and publishes a great deal of information about the Irish child protection system and about the more than 6,000 children who are currently in the care of the State. Monthly, quarterly and annual data are published on the Tusla website which provides information by age, gender, area and by the reasons for the child's admission to care. It also records the child's care status, whether they are in voluntary care or in care under a court order.
I am committed to helping Tusla improve its central data systems, both for the protection and welfare of our children and to ensure that child protection policy in Ireland is firmly based on high quality evidence. With this in mind, the national child care information system will operate as a central national database supporting the provision of child welfare and protection services. Access to the system will ensure that every social work department has a user friendly way to record the case history of every child who is the subject of a child protection or welfare concern, from the point of initial referral to case closure.
The system has been piloted in Tusla’s mid-west region and the intention is to have it in all areas between now and the end of June 2018. As promised under the Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures strategy, my Department has initiated work to review the Child Care Act 1991. 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.