Children in Care

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 June 2019

Tuesday, 11 June 2019

Ceisteanna (838)

Seán Sherlock

Ceist:

838. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of children in care who do not have a social worker. [23762/19]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs

I wish to advise the Deputy that Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, publishes data periodically in relation to children in care. 

At the end of March, the most recent date for which figures are available, there were a total of 6,005 children in care. Of these, 669, or 11% were awaiting the allocation of a social worker. 

I am informed by Tusla that a case awaiting allocation may be listed as 'active on duty'. Tusla indicate that this may include checking with professionals who see the child regularly, or visiting the child and family at home, getting additional information about the child's situation and, in some instances where a child is in care, organising a Care Plan Review and visiting the child.