Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 3 February 2022
197. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the procedure in place to assist persons that have been in foster care to live independently once they turn 18 years of age; the procedures in place to assist such persons who have disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5409/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI would like to thank the Deputy for his question. The transition to independent living for those leaving care is a critical one, and in Ireland these young people are offered a wide range of supports, known as aftercare. Aftercare is the term used to describe the planning and support put in place to meet the needs of a young person who is leaving the care of the state at 18 years of age. Aftercare services build on and support the work already undertaken by many including foster carers, social workers and residential workers in preparing young people for adulthood.
The main statutory provisions for aftercare are set out in Section 45 of the Child Care Act 1991, subsequently amended by the 2015 Child Care Amendment Act. The statute sets out the eligibility criteria for the aftercare service and imposes a statutory responsibility on the Child and Family Agency, Tusla to carry out an assessment of the needs of an eligible child on attaining the age of 18 years and prepare an aftercare plan. The aftercare plan aims to clearly outline the supports required for the person in their transition to adulthood and independent living and is developed by the social worker together with the child or young person, who participates in all aspects of the plan and therefore has a voice in decisions affecting them. The plan will outline needs such as education, training, employment, health, wellbeing, accommodation, finance, budgeting, social networks and supports, family access and contact, personal and social issues, and supports needed from other services.
Between 450 and 500 young people leave care annually upon turning 18 years of age. The most important requirements for young people leaving care are for continuity of relationships, secure, suitable accommodation as well as further education, employment or training. Aftercare provision currently incorporates advice, guidance and practical (including accommodation and financial) support, delivered through aftercare workers or drop in services. Advocating on behalf of young people to support their development as fulfilled adults in their community and, when necessary, to link them to targeted adult services, are also important elements of the aftercare service.
For children with disabilities the same robust system is in place to support the transition from foster care into adulthood and independent living. However, given the additional challenges of their disability, a Joint Protocol and Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been agreed between Tusla and the Health Services Executive which places specific emphasis on both agencies working together to assist in the planning for the young person’s transition into adulthood. The Protocol describes how both Agencies will work together to provide a person-centred pathway to meet the needs of children with a complex disability and their families, and outlines a number of principles guiding the provision of care to these individuals.
Where independent living is deemed appropriate for young people with disabilities, a plan is put in place for the child to transition with appropriate supports. Where independent living is not deemed suitable it may be more appropriate for the child to remain with their foster carers into adulthood. Planning in partnership with the HSE should take place, as per the protocol, to ensure a smooth transition to the new arrangement. As the HSE is not a foster care agency this normally takes the form of a "Home Share" placement with the existing foster carers who have an established bond and caring relationship with the young person.
