Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 19: To ask the Minister for Health and Children when she will open a new unit to cater for homeless children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20657/09]

Barry Andrews (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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Current policy regarding homeless children is contained in the Youth Homelessness Strategy. The Strategy provides a strategic framework for youth homelessness to be tackled on a national basis. The goal of the Strategy is "to reduce and if possible eliminate youth homelessness through preventative strategies and where a child becomes homeless to ensure that he/she benefits from a comprehensive range of services aimed at reintegrating him/her into his/her community as quickly as possible."

In 2008, a HSE Working Group completed an examination of progress regarding the implementation of the Youth Homelessness Strategy. The group concluded that generally the recommendations were implemented throughout the HSE. The HSE has advised that a range of alternative care options are available in each LHO area to meet the needs of young people who are out of home or who are homeless. These services include emergency residential beds, short to medium term residential beds, foster care and supported lodgings.

The HSE has advised that they are currently undertaking an audit of Aftercare services and that a multi agency group is examining ways to improve services so that young people leaving the care system do not become homeless as adults. In June 2009 the HSE is introducing a new Emergency Place of Safety Service to be accessed by Gardaí when removing a child to safety under section 12 of the Child Care Act 1991. This service will allow Gardaí to access an appropriate place of safety for children found to be at risk outside of normal working hours.

The HSE has further advised that work is being undertaken arising from the report of the Working Group in 2008 regarding the provision of services for homeless children. This Report did not recommend the opening of new units for homeless children and the HSE has no plans to do so at this time.