Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I join members in welcoming our guests. As an Opposition Deputy who has on several occasions complimented the first Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, I happily do so again. I also compliment each and every delegate in his or her respective role and, in particular, the NGOs on their persistent pursuit of this legislative change. I also include Members, Government or Opposition voices, who have also played a part in helping to bring us to this point.

I refer to a point raised in Focus Ireland's presentation where it contrasts the expectations for its clients three years ago with the outcomes for its current cohort. It is a significant worry. We can have all the assessments and aftercare plans we like, but implementation is critical. This is also reflected in the presentation made by EPIC. Implementation of aftercare plans is absolutely essential.

That in some way needs to be a clearly stated objective of this exercise. We need not only the preparation of aftercare plans but their implementation and the pursuit of that. The phrase "the State is the acting parent" is used somewhere else. That is it exactly and it should act as any of us as parents would act for our children in the same situation at that delicate and important point, that transitional period in life from moving from being a child and young person to adulthood and all the challenges that brings.
Many of the presentations dealt with child health, education, housing and income support, although I am referring in that respect to the Child and Family Agency presentation. The EPIC presentation was the only one that dealt with unemployment, which is the issue of jobs. I do not for a moment want to create a hierarchy of housing as absolutely essential but with respect to the importance of the dignity of work, what is does for an individual's fulfilment in life, filling one's day and giving one purpose, it was interesting that the representative from EPIC in her presentation put that first. She said, "This puts them at greater risk of unemployment, dependence on social welfare, early parenthood, mental health problems and homelessness". Jobs are integral to all of this. I emphasise that I am not suggesting for a moment that one element is more important than the other. It is a package. That reflects, and this comes across in the presentation by the representative from EPIC, the need to create an holistic approach, and I refer here to all agencies. That is also referred to in the presentation by the representative form the Child and Family Agency. He spoke about the development of a multi-agency plan. That is essential and to the exclusion of no Department or agency. They all have a contribution to make to this and it has to work but it can only work if there is a coming together.
It is difficult to find specific questions and these are only points on which I wanted to reflect. The point Ms Tanya Ward from the Children's Rights Alliance made about voluntarily continuing in-care after the period of time is interesting. This model of extended care has been adopted in Scotland. We need to inform ourselves more about what that can do. I would say, as a parent, I know about that and one could call it a voluntary extension of care. I have five children. I was long gone from my home and working and standing on my feet when I consider the age of some of my older children. The are in dependency today and that is the truth of it for many families across our society today. If we as natural birth parents are doing that for our children, why would the State not do the same for children in its care, as the surrogate parent in this instance? We have to reflect the reality that we all know in this world today. I agree with that point.
I concur with the two points made by the representative from Barnardos regarding those who do not opt for aftercare and having an obligation to continue to engage. It could happen that after a short period of time one could have the realisation that "I've made a call here; I do need the help". We should not have strict criteria that closes a door on a young person at that time in his or her life when he or she needs help. Re-engagement and continuing engagement and leaving the door open is very important. The same applies to the point regarding the period of 12 months, consequently or cumulatively, and while it is very much within the legislation we need there to be flexibility. We are dealing with young people. I would like that we would have the same flexibility that we all have to expect at times in our own relationships and engagement with others. I would be concerned about the very strict criteria for consideration for eligibility. We need something much more pliant modelled on need and need as it presents.
I address my final comments to the representatives from the Department of Children and Youth Affairs regarding the Department's view as to when the consultation process and preparation should commence. Different views have been expressed in that it should commence at age 16 or 17. I think the representative from EPIC said it should be at age 16. How does the Department view that matter? When should this process begin? The representative from the Department in his presentation stated it should begin in the period coming up to the end of the legal care relationship and he went on to say that the preparations should take place in good time. Could the delegate quantify that to give us a sense of it? The representative also stated:

The legislation provides that the core eligible age range for aftercare is from 18 to 21 years. This can be extended until the completion of a course of education and training in which a young person who has left care, or is leaving care, is engaged.

I believe it must be a little more than just education and training. That is reflected in the contributions of the NGO sector, with which I am at one. If we do not adopt the most flexible, embracing and inclusive approach, we will lose a wonderful opportunity to do something really worthwhile. Given my years serving as a Member of the Oireachtas I would like that this would be a part of something on which I could look back with satisfaction.