Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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372. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the extent to which children in care, of all ages, continue to receive adequate support and supervision, with particular reference to those in respect of whom particular problems have been identified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8290/15]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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The Child and Family Agency was established in January 2014 and is now the dedicated State agency responsible for improving wellbeing and outcomes for children. It comprises services for the protection and welfare of children, fostering and residential care services, family support, inspection of early years services and services relating to domestic, sexual and gender based violence. In relation to receiving children into care this can be by a voluntary agreement with parents or guardians, or through a care order that is granted by the Courts . The majority of children who are in care are in foster care with other placements being used where this is assessed as not being suitable for their needs. This can include residential care, special care or other placements (including supported lodging or disability placements). As of October 2014 there were 6,454 children in care, of which 93% were in foster care, 5% were in residential care and the remaining 2% were in other placements. There is statutory provision for support and supervision of children in care; latest figures show that the majority of children in care had an allocated social worker and written care plan. In exceptional cases where an allocated social worker is not in place, the case is monitored at principal social worker level and managed by the duty social work team. It is important to note that urgent cases where a child is at imminent risk are acted upon immediately.

In relation to children for whom particular needs have been identified, it is important to state that children in care attend the same schools and services as other children in the community. This means that if a child in care needs a psychology assessment it would be accessed through the National Educational Psychology Service (NEPS) or through the community psychology service in primary care in the first instance depending on the particular need. These needs would be set out in the child's written care plan. Some residential care service have access to dedicated professionals. For example, children in special care attend school on-site and therapeutic services provided by the Assessment, Consultation and Therapy Service (ACTS).

The Agency has a budget of €643 million for 2015, an increase of €34 million on 2014. I am satisfied that the work of the Agency is being well monitored by my Department and that the Agency has prepared a comprehensive business plan that aims to ensure that all children in care receive the supports and service they require.