Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 3: To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she is satisfied that there are adequate resources to implement the recommendations in the reports on Health Service Executive fostering services for HSE Dublin north central area to ensure the children in foster care are receiving the best protection. [40765/11]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

In March 2011, the social services inspectorate of the Health Information and Quality Authority, HIQA, carried out an announced follow-up inspection of the foster care service provided by the Health Service Executive, HSE, in the Dublin North-Central local health area. The inspection was carried out under section 69(2) of the Child Care Act 1991 and was done to assess progress in implementing the recommendations of the full original inspection report, which was published by HIQA in July 2010. The findings of the first inspection identified significant shortcomings in the HSE's compliance with national standards and regulations pertaining to foster care services, and a series of local and national recommendations was made by the authority. In 2010, the HSE provided HIQA with an action plan against the local recommendations that related to the Dublin north-central area.

A follow-up inspection found that good progress had been made in the implementation of most of the recommendations in the original inspection report. The positive changes that had taken place included an increase in the number of social worker posts in the area, a reduction in the number of unallocated cases and improved local systems of gathering and maintaining information and care records. Seventeen new social worker posts had been allocated and all of the posts were filled. The inspection found that the provision of supervision to social workers had improved. Other positive changes were related to improved governance of this service and the considerable efforts to ensure social workers carried out their duties in accordance with foster care standards and regulations. However there continued to be children in foster care and foster carers in the area who did not have an assigned social worker. Delays in the assessment and approval of relative foster carers continued, and the Children First guidelines were not being complied with totally. These findings were of particular concern.

However, the HSE is working to address the deficits in Dublin central. The 17 additional social worker posts that have been filled will help us to complete the assessments that are outstanding. Further work must be done to ensure all children in foster care are assessed and have a foster care plan. The HSE will be closely monitoring this work at local and national level and will report back to my Department on it.

Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Children deserve to be protected in an environment where they feel wanted, secure and comfortable. Such an environment is not available to many children in the north inner city because of the area's drugs problems. Some of them have seen their parents die, sometimes through suicide, or continue in addiction. Many of them are being cared for by their grandparents, who have taken them in with an heart and a half despite the additional strains involved. I accept the Minister's assurances on the overall report but these grandparents need support.

I acknowledge the tireless efforts of family support workers, many of whom come from the area. If the supports are not provided now there will be an increase in the numbers of children looking for places in Ballydowd or additional services when they reach adulthood. What exactly is being done to address the issue, other than the 17 additional posts? What can be done for these grandparents?

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The deficiencies in the system are being addressed. We are increasing the number of cases assigned social workers beyond the 88% of cases identified in the report. The assessments are ongoing. Clearly the level of family support required cannot be determined without assessments. If the Deputy wishes to bring individual cases to my attention or discuss them directly with the local HSE office, I will be happy to facilitate her. We are funding a range of family support services at the voluntary and statutory level to provide the supports these families require.

An audit of alternative care services is being finalised at national level. This will provide valuable information about the demand for alternative care services. I pay tribute to foster parents. We are fortunate that the vast majority of the 6,000 children in care are being looked after by experienced and caring foster parents. Sometimes we forget about the good work being done when we receive reports that highlight deficiencies. I also acknowledge the work being done by children's extended families.

Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

My concern is for those who have not yet been approached. Perhaps they will all be approved. I have been involved in the young people's facilities and services fund since its establishment in the late 1990s and I chaired the group for the north inner city. It does great work for the capital money it receives. I welcome the provision of a small grants fund this year. This funding went a long way in the north inner city.

In view of the impact of drugs, would the Minister consider engaging more directly with the existing structures of the national drugs strategy?

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

My Department funds a number of projects targeted at families with drug issues. That will continue in the coming year. I am reforming the funding provision for youth groups to allow greater flexibility in grant applications.