Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her plans to introduce a statutory right to aftercare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40705/12]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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As I outlined in my response to an earlier question regarding aftercare, the HSE National Aftercare Service is underpinned by a National Policy and Procedures Document which has been developed in cooperation with the key stakeholders, including the voluntary sector agencies involved in aftercare provision and my Department. The policy which was finalised in April 2011, commits to promoting and achieving the best outcomes for young people leaving care and in ensuring consistency of support to these young people. The HSE has established an intra-agency National Aftercare Implementation Group to monitor progress in implementing the national policy and to identify gaps in current resources. The work of this group is ongoing and I have asked Gordon Jeyes, National Director for Children and Family Services in the HSE to prepare a report on aftercare. This report will include inter-alia the key findings of the group, examples of best practice, assessment criteria and effective aftercare supports. This will guide the policy on strengthening the legislation for services in this important area, to which I am committed.