Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 27 May 2021
34. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the status of the relationship National Standards for Foster Care 2003 and the Draft National Standards for Children’s Social Services following the end of the consultation process (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28595/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra59. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the engagement he has had with the relevant stakeholders including foster families on the proposed national standards for children’s social services; the future he envisages for the 2003 standards; the role there will be for foster families; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28654/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 34 and 59 together.
I would like to thank the Deputies for these important questions. HIQA's new Draft National Standards for Children’s Social Services are intended to replace four current sets of standards that cover child protection and welfare services, children's residential care, special care and to replace the 2003 foster care standards
HIQA has undertaken a consultative process with Tusla managers and staff, foster carers, interested agencies and the general public, and 20% of the responses have been from foster carers. As current National Standards for Foster Care have been in place since 2003 it is important that they are reviewed. It is also very important that all stakeholders have confidence in the utility and applicability of these standards.I have received a request to meet the Irish Foster Care Association and I plan to do so in the coming weeks. My officials have had close engagement with them and are fully aware of the issues involved. Foster carers have indicated that the current draft standards fail to adequately comprehend the role and unique care response provided by Foster carers, as they are not professionals, staff or employees and their care response is unique.
I am committed, as is HIQA, to ensure their voice is heard in the development of the new standards. My officials are actively engaged with HIQA on this issue and I understand HIQA are taking steps to revise their approach by providing more detail pertaining to foster care as part of the standard development process. The proposed new standards do not change existing legislation and therefore have no impact on any legal rights or duties of foster carers under the Child Care Acts, Children First legislation and guidance or any new legislation under consideration. Legislation and regulations supersede standards in all sectors.Following completion of the consultation and drafting process HIQA will present the Draft National Standards for Children’s Social Services for consideration and approval by the Minister for Health and myself. The Standards must be accepted and approved in advance of their becoming operational.
