Ms Lara Hynes:

In terms of the enhanced rights after three as opposed to five years, that came up a lot in the consultation process. A lot of organisations that made submissions were looking for reductions in the period after which foster carers could apply for enhanced rights. The rationale behind that is about permanency planning for the child in terms of his or her right to have a stable placement and to be an integrated part of a family in a long-term care placement. The foster carer will then be in a position to sign consents to bring the child on holidays and have a place in his or her medical treatment, for example. It facilitates more seamless parenting by the foster parent.