James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for her question. The role of Tusla is to provide alternative care for a child in cases where there is a need to do so because of concerns in respect of the safety and welfare of the child.

In cases where the social work team have assessed that housing or accommodation is the core issue that needs to be addressed, then they are referred to the local authority, which has statutory responsibility for housing. The social work team will seek to ensure that the needs and welfare of the child are given the highest consideration and may provide a parental supporting role, usually through a family support service. This service can include guidance, counselling or access to supports such as breakfast or homework clubs. However, the financial or economic status of the parent or the issue of homelessness itself are not grounds for seeking a care order through the courts or for placing a child in voluntary care.

Reasons for a child to be received into care are tracked by the agency. However, homelessness of the parent or parents is not a characteristic which is captured, as it would not be a sufficient reason for a child to be in care. For that reason, the agency is not in a position to provide such data.

The agency reported that for the full year of 2012 there were 2,070 children taken into care. In total 1,115, that is 53%, were admitted to care due to child welfare concerns; 593, or approximately 28%, were admitted to care due to neglect; 173,or 8.4%, were admitted to care due to physical abuse; 154, or 7.4%, were admitted to care due to emotional abuse; and 35, or 1.7%, were admitted to care due to sexual abuse.

Dublin City Council has launched a homeless prevention programme and public awareness campaign around families and others relating to their tenant rights. This initiative, which involves the four local authorities and Threshold, aims to support families where they are at risk of homelessness. A helpline service has already dealt with over 2,000 calls and has helped families at risk to protect over 200 tenancies.

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