Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 December 2022
450. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the concrete plans that his Department has to pay additional allowances to foster carers who provide aftercare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62000/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe purpose of aftercare is to help care leavers to transition from care to living as an independent adult and the focus of any supports provided by Tusla are to assist in this transition.
The Deputy will be aware that Tusla’s statutory obligations in relation to care leavers are set out in the Child Care Act 1991, as amended. These include assessments of need, and the preparation of aftercare plans that address those needs.
Tusla provides financial support to eligible care leavers who are engaged in a qualifying educational course or training programme. The ‘aftercare allowance’ amounts to €300 per week and is available to care leavers up to the age of 23. In addition, a care leaver may also be entitled to a number of additional financial supports which include the SUSI Grant (which is payable at the higher rate for care leavers),the Tusla Dormant Accounts funded Bursary Scheme and an aftercare grant for moving costs.
The Deputy may be aware that at present Tusla are developing a new Strategic Plan for Aftercare Services. Tusla has advised that a wide and comprehensive consultation process is preceding the development of this strategy. Officials from my Department are engaging in the consultation for this Plan and I look forward to its publication and engaging with Tusla on any recommendations contained within it.
In the interim, there are currently no plans to review allowances in relation to aftercare.
