Seanad debates
Thursday, 8 May 2003
National Standards for Foster Care: Statements.
We must look continually at special needs children and funding for them. It is much easier to care for a three year old than it is to look after a teenager. When I was researching my contribution to this debate, I was made aware that a high support unit was opened recently in Castleblaney. It is a sign of the commitment of the Government, the Minister of State and the Department of Health and Children to fostering. The unit caters for three health board areas. I am glad that three beds in the unit are available to my local health board when needed. The high support offered is highly funded and made available to young people with challenging behaviours. All of their educational supports etc. are available on site. This is certainly new in our area in the north-west and the Minister of State would be more familiar with it in Dublin and further south.
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