Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 February 2019
681. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if financial support is provided in County Donegal to foster parents of those who, on reaching 18 years of age, continue to be cared for into adulthood and require mental health and disability services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6934/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraEvery year more than 500 young people leave the care of the State. These young people are offered a wide range of services from different State actors including income supports, health supports, accommodation and education.
The aftercare provisions of the Child Care (Amendment) Act 2015 came into force on the first of September 2017. This means that there is now a statutory obligation on Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, to prepare an aftercare plan for each eligible child and young person. This plan encompasses the range of supports that a young person may need from all service providers, including Tusla, to help them make the transition to independent adult life.
For young people with a disability or mental health support need, aftercare planning forms the basis of discussions between Tusla and the HSE to effectively manage the transition from child to adult services, based on assessed need. This is facilitated by Tusla via the local Aftercare Steering Group, with the HSE participating in the planning process and taking responsibility for the provision of the required services.
Following national consultation in 2017, a standardised aftercare allowance was introduced on the first of January 2018. The allowance currently amounts to €300 a week. Continuing in further education or training entitles the young person to receive the standardised aftercare allowance even after they turn 21. Where a young person in education or training remains with their former foster carer, the aftercare allowance is payable to the foster carer and a living allowance is agreed with the foster parent, the aftercare worker and the young adult. Where the young person continues with education or training and is in independent living, they directly receive the allowance.
Finally, and as the Deputy is aware, the provision of services for adults with disability or mental health related needs fall within the remit of the Health Service Executive.
