Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 195: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she will support foster families in 2010 as a major strategy for assisting children at risk. [22786/10]

Barry Andrews (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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Foster care is the main form of alternative care provided by the Health Service Executive for children in need of care and protection who cannot remain in their own homes. The provision of foster care is central to child welfare and protection. The HSE works closely with foster /relative carers and places a very high value on the role they play in the provision of care in a secure and stable family setting. The Government's Implementation Plan arising from the report of the Commission to Inquire into Child abuse provided for the filling of social work posts currently vacant. In 2010 additional revenue in excess of €14m has been allocated to the HSE to implement actions in the Governments Ryan Implementation Plan. Included in this funding is a provision for the recruitment of an additional 200 social workers in the current year. The HSE are working to improve services to children in foster care in line with previous HIQA reports and in particular ensuring compliance with the statutory provisions in relation to children in foster/relative care.

The Child Care Act, 1991 places a legal obligation on the Health Service Executive (HSE) to promote the welfare of children who are not receiving adequate care and protection. A child is taken into the care of the State only as a last resort where alternative care and welfare services cannot adequately meet the needs of the child and his/her family. The Child Care Act, 1991 allows for a child at risk to be taken into care on a voluntary basis or pursuant to a court order. Provisions have also been included in the Act for emergency situations where there is an immediate and serious risk to the health or welfare of the child.

The Social Services Inspectorate (SSI) within HIQA currently inspects HSE residential centres, excluding private/voluntary centres, which are inspected by the HSE under section 69 of the Child Care Act, 1991. The SSI has played a key and important role in the setting of standards, inspecting and ensuring quality services in the area of children's welfare services. The role of the SSI is key in ensuring and monitoring the safety of children in the care of the State.