Anne Rabbitte
Ceist:223. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the average number of cases that are assigned to a social care worker by Tusla. [52350/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 7 December 2017
Ceisteanna (223)
Freagraí scríofa
Tusla has advised that social care workers within Tusla residential childcare services are typically assigned one key child at various times while social care workers in the community working in aftercare would typically work on up to 25 cases, depending on the complexity of the cases.
In terms of service provision in other community based services the average case loads for social care workers are quite varied as follows:
- Community Childcare Workers: 6-10 cases depending on intensity of work, number of sessions and whether work is being done with the carers as this may be done in mornings when children at school. Play Therapists take on a maximum of two referrals alongside the above caseload. Caseloads are carefully monitored and managed by the Alternative Care Manager.
- Marte Meo Therapist: 6-8 families depending on number of visits and recordings needed.
- OARS Family Workers: OARS is an intensive family support service. Social care workers work in the family home three to four times a week for up to 14 hours per week. Two family assessments involving an intensive six week period working with families are carried out at any one time. Other intervention work is carried out where possible (1/2 families max). Social care workers work on a maximum of four cases at any one time.
- Ohana House: Ohana staff are based in the centre and provide support and supervision to families during access. The average caseload for an access worker is 10 cases.
- TOPS: TOPS work with young people on group based activities as well as individually tailored programs. The average caseload at present for an access worker is 9-10 cases.
Questions Nos. 224 and 225 answered with Question No. 217.