Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 348: To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the plans in place for young adults who on turning age 18 years leave full-time care; if accommodation is being found for them; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38391/11]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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Section 45 of the Child Care Act 1991 places a statutory duty on the HSE to form a view in relation to each person leaving care as to whether there is a "need for assistance" and, if it forms such a view, to provide services in accordance with the legislation and subject to resources. All young people who have had a care history with the HSE, be it foster care, residential care or high support, are entitled to an aftercare service based on their assessed needs. The core eligible age range for aftercare is 18 years and up to 21 years. This can be extended until the completion of a course of education in which he/she is engaged up to the age of 23 years of age.

Aftercare provision incorporates advice, guidance and practical support. An individual holistic needs assessment identifies a young persons need for accommodation, financial support, social network support and training and education.

The HSE commissioned an independent external consultant to undertake a review of the capacity for alternative care services, including aftercare services. The audit date for the data was 13 March 2011. Based on this audit the HSE has informed me that a total of 1,051 young people were in receipt of aftercare nationally at March 2011. 700 of these young people received support with accommodation.