Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am aware of the conference. I met the director of the conference, Ms Jennifer Gargan, subsequent to it and I have offered to continue the conversation by meeting with some of the young people concerned to discuss the issues raised by the Deputy. The benefit of the new legislation is that it will entitle young people to an aftercare plan for the first time. This will make a significant difference in terms of some of the issues raised by the Deputy. Up to this point it has been a matter of good practice only to provide an aftercare plan but Tusla will now be required by law to prepare an aftercare plan. I believe this is an important part of helping young people to achieve their potential as they prepare to leave care. This will be an advance.

In regard to implementation of the legislation, Tusla has introduced a new number of new practices and has developed dedicated aftercare teams. It has also standardised the financial supports that it offers to those leaving care and it is putting inter-agency aftercare committees in place at local level.

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