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Gnáthamharc

Children in Care

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 February 2019

Wednesday, 13 February 2019

Ceisteanna (53)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

53. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of children in residential care including fosterage and State-owned centres; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7075/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

According to Tusla's latest data to end November 2018, there were 369 children placed in residential care nationwide of which 16 children were placed in special care units, which are secure units where children may be detained for care reasons following an order from the High Court.

Foster care is the care of children outside of their own home by persons other than their parents, whether biological or adoptive, or their legal guardians. Foster parents can be relatives (relative care) or people who are unrelated to the family (general foster care). As of November 2018, there were 1,583 children in relative care. There were 3,990 children were in general foster care. Tusla reports that, at end November, these figures included 398 children in private foster care. There were 222 children in care in private/voluntary residential care, which indicates there were 147 children in Tusla operated residential care centres.

Approximately 92% of all of children in care are placed in foster settings in November 2018. Foster care is the main form of alternative care for children and the preferred option to residential care. New foster carers are always welcome and those who feel they could become a foster carer can contact their local Tusla office for further information on the application and assessment process.

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