The most recent aftercare data available from Tusla indicates that the majority of young people aged 18-22 years, in receipt of aftercare services, remained with their foster families, while some progress to independent living. The following table outlines the living arrangements of young adults in receipt of aftercare services in Q3 2017.
Living Arrangements in aftercare
|
Number and % of young people (18-22)
|
Remained with carers
|
878 (45.9%)
|
Independent living
|
522 (27.3%)
|
Returned home/family
|
203 (10.6%)
|
Other Accommodation
|
171 (8.9%)
|
Residential placement
|
95 (5%)
|
Supported lodgings
|
45 (2.4%)
|
Total
|
1,914 (100%)
|
Tusla has informed me that the category 'Other Accommodation' includes psychiatric services, disability services, mother and baby centres and prison. A breakdown of the number of young adults in each type of accommodation included in this category is not available.
Tusla policy is not to discharge young adults from care into homeless services. Tusla is working with my Department, and the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government, on projects to secure housing for care leavers.
Aftercare is an adult service, and young adults may choose whether they wish to engage with it. Aftercare workers engage with young adults leaving care to ensure that their needs are met in transitioning to adulthood.