Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 April 2022
1166. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth his views on the latest calls by an organisation (details supplied) to combat child homelessness including ensuring that all children have timely access to a child support worker; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21263/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe primary responsibility for housing and managing homelessness lies with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the local authorities.
Policy responsibility for homeless young people, insofar as it extends to my Department, relates to children under 18 and any child welfare and protection concerns that may arise in the context of the Child Care Act 1991. Children under 16 who present as being homeless to emergency services are taken into care by Tusla, the Child and Family Agency. Children aged 16 and 17 may be taken into care, or provided with accommodation under section 5 of the Child Care Act 1991.
Where children are homeless as part of a family experiencing homelessness, Tusla works with other statutory and voluntary agencies to mitigate the challenges faced by these parents and children. Such actions taken by Tusla include the provision of funding for child support workers.
It is important to note that Tusla only intervenes in family life in exceptional circumstances. Children who are with their families in emergency accommodation remain in the care of their parents or guardians. Where Tusla has concerns regarding the welfare and development of any child they will provide family supports to assist that family and child.
While the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage has ultimate responsibility for managing homelessness, my Department is committed to addressing homelessness as part of a whole-of-Government response including contributing to the development of a Youth Homeless Strategy. My Department is leading and co-ordinating consultations with representatives of young people experiencing homelessness and most at risk of homelessness so that their voices are heard and their needs properly reflected in the action plan developed as part of the strategy.
The findings of the consultation with young people experiencing homelessness will additionally inform the development of the successor framework to Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures which is currently being developed by my Department.
