Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 2 June 2022
72. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the supports that are in place for Tusla to help with the arrival of unaccompanied minor refugees from Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28474/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraSeparated children seeking international protection (unaccompanied minors), including children arriving from the Ukraine, are supported and accommodated by Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, in accordance with the provisions of the Child Care Act 1991.
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.
Tusla has a significant role, as part of the State’s overall response, to support individuals, particularly women and children, displaced from Ukraine, as a result of the war and coming into Ireland. Tusla is committed to balancing the needs of families in a humanitarian crisis, with its child protection responsibilities, and requirement to support families and promote the welfare of children.
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 Failte 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 person’s care. The care plan may involve specialist English language tuition, intensive educational supports and therapeutic work in respect of trauma.
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.
All Ukrainian citizens and third country nationals living in the Ukraine who seek international protection in Ireland will receive temporary protection status. This includes all separated children.
Since the commencement of the crisis, 146 separated children from Ukraine have been referred to Tusla. Of these, 86 were received into care/accommodation. There are currently 60 separated children from Ukraine in Tusla's care.
To date all separated children who have arrived have been accommodated within current resources. If a significant number of separated children arrive and all require accommodation, my Department will consider changes to the maximum number of children who may be accommodated together under current standards in consultation with Tusla and key stakeholders. This will be kept under review for the duration of the crisis period.
