Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 24 March 2022
25. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the extent to which children at risk including refugees are being identified as being in particular need of specific supports and services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15142/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraTusla, the Child and Family Agency, is the statutory body with responsibility for child protection and welfare services.
If a child appears to be at risk of harm or neglect, the concerns should be reported to Tusla. Anyone can report a concern about a child to Tusla, and information on how to do so is available on the Tusla website. If a child is at immediate risk or in danger, An Garda Síochána (AGS) should be alerted without delay.
Tusla acts urgently on notification of an immediate risk to a child. Children who are in a situation of immediate risk may initially be dealt with by AGS or by Tusla, but in the main both agencies work together in such cases. Referrals to Tusla increased by 8% in 2021.
Gardaí have specific powers under Section 12 of the Child Care Act to remove a child from a situation of danger, and under Section 13 of that same act, to deliver that child into the custody of Tusla. Tusla will at that point carry out an assessment to determine the child's needs. This may in some cases include applying for an Emergency Care Order. In all cases, a plan will be put in place to ensure that the child is safe from harm. Where a child is already in care, Tusla will make a determination as to whether the child is safe in their placement or if they need to be moved.
Tusla has a dedicated social work team for Separated Children Seeking International Protection (SCSIP). Over the past 20 years the SCSIP Team has developed expertise through Ireland’s participation in International Refugee Protection Programmes and by caring for separated children seeking international protection who arrive unannounced at Irish ports, including airports.
SCSIP who arrive at ports of entry to Ireland are referred to Tusla for a child protection needs assessment. In the first instance, Tusla makes every attempt to contact relatives of the child and to reunite the child with family members or friends. If children cannot be reunified with family or friends, they are received into the care of Tusla.
These children are placed by Tusla either in small specialist residential care centres , or with specifically recruited foster families under a Fáilte Foster care programme. The children are automatically entitled as children in care to a medical card and access to education services.
In addition, a Social Worker is allocated to them to develop a care plan and monitor the progress of the child / young persons care. The care plan may involve specialist English language tuition, intensive educational supports and therapeutic work in respect of trauma.
The basis for care of a SCSIP is different from the general child in care population; as they are received into care for protection and welfare reasons due to their separation from their primary carers, which can be as a consequence of war or persecution. Children who arrive in Ireland outside of a dedicated refugee programme are supported in their application for refugee status.
Assisting children with reunification with their families has evolved as a key piece of the support social workers provide to those who are eligible to apply. Where relevant the process of reunification is started as soon as the children come to the attention of Tusla.
