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

On the Deputy's comments about moving forward, particularly entitlements to aftercare plans for children in care, as she is aware, there are pending amendments to the Child Care Act 1991 that will place a statutory obligation to provide an aftercare plan before the young person leaves care. I intend that this provision will be commenced with effect from 1 September 2017. I have secured the funding needed to recruit additional aftercare workers to enable Tusla to deliver this new commitment in full. In some situations, the child's social worker may continue in the role of an aftercare worker when the child reaches 18 years. My Department working to implement the changes that are needed. There is no doubt that improvements are needed and I intend to ensure that they happen.

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