Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 93 and 114 together.

The HSE has advised me that four young people left high support or special care units in each of the past five years on reaching 18 years of age. Therefore, there are 20 young people in total. I can confirm that an aftercare plan was in place on leaving care in each case. This is in line with the policy that young people who leave care with an assessed need should receive aftercare. I am satisfied this policy is being implemented correctly and young people with an assessed need are being offered appropriate aftercare support. I am advised by the HSE that a total of 1,310 young people were in receipt of aftercare at the end of March 2012.

Section 45 of the Child Care Act 1991 places a statutory duty on the HSE to form a view in regard to each person leaving care as to whether there is a so-called need for assistance and, if it forms such a view, to provide services in accordance with the legislation and subject to resources. All young people who have had a care history with the HSE, be it foster care, residential care or high support care, are entitled to an aftercare service based on their assessed needs. The core eligible age range for aftercare is 18 to 21 years. This can be extended until the completion of a course of education in which one is engaged up to the age of 23 years.

The most important requirement for young people leaving care is secure, suitable accommodation, in addition to further education, employment or training and social support. The most vulnerable group of young people leaving care comprises those who have dropped out of education and training and those who have left residential care. Some of these young people may have mental health problems or a disability. Aftercare provision incorporates advice, guidance and practical support. There is, therefore, a need for a proper assessment that identifies a young person's need for accommodation, financial support, social network support and training and education in the months before his or her 18th birthday. The level of support required will vary for each individual. It is essential that all young people leaving care be provided with the type of transitional support their individual circumstances require. There is no doubt the provision of an appropriate aftercare service is a key element in achieving positive outcomes for young people leaving care. Some 90% of children in care are in foster care and a large number of these remain living with their foster families, supported financially by the HSE on reaching 18 years of age. These young people continue in education and training as planned. That remains a key component of aftercare for young people when they leave care.

The HSE national aftercare service is underpinned by a national policy and procedures document which is being developed in co-operation with the key stakeholders, including the voluntary sector agencies involved in aftercare provision and my Department. The policy which was finalised in April 2010 commits to promoting and achieving the best outcomes for young people leaving care and in ensuring consistency of support for these young people. The HSE has established an inter-agency national aftercare implementation group to monitor progress in implementing the national policy and its work is ongoing. The implementation of the policy and the ongoing provision of aftercare services is being kept under review and I will continue to engage with the HSE on this matter in the course of the year.

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