Ms Jacinta Swann:

What I have to say would be somewhat similar to what Ms Greene said. There have been a number of examples in County Clare and the mid-west that have worked well. A number of questions arise. For example, what will the contract be between everybody? What are the expectations? Those need to be clear. However, the initiative has given young people a chance to mind their children and learn how to do that. There have been positive outcomes where it has happened. It is dependent on the relationship between the foster carer and the young person, and how they navigate and negotiate that. There would need to be a clear model in the context of how everybody would be supported, on the expectations and the boundaries, such as which responsibilities are the young mom's and which are the foster carer's and how that links with the wider support network, for example, can they go to mother and toddler groups and other supports in the community that young people could be linked with as well. It would be fabulous if it could be replicated; it needs to be supported and there needs to be specific training provided. It would certainly give young people a greater chance to care for their babies long term.