Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

268. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the position regarding an aftercare payment and other supports in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 9; and if he will make urgent arrangements in order that this person may be assisted. [19637/15]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I want to thank the Deputy for bringing this to my attention. The Deputy will appreciate that I am not in a position to comment, nor would it be appropriate for me to do so, on the specific matters raised that refer to an individual. My Department has, however, referred this to Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, for attention and asked that they examine what supports they may be able to provide. As the Deputy may be aware, neither the provision of social protection supports or mental health services are within my remit.

On a more general point, I would note that an aftercare programme is based on an aftercare plan for a child who has been in care and is about to turn 18 years old. Based on an assessed need, an aftercare worker can make arrangements for various supports, including support for accommodation, and accessing training and education. Aftercare workers are provided both by Tusla as well as through services that are commissioned from community, voluntary and private organisations. The aftercare worker support provided by Focus Ireland, similar to one which you may have seen in the recent television documentary, is an example of such a service. Funding is also made available to support a person who is to remain on with their foster family as part of their aftercare plan. In other cases, funding supports are available to facilitate independent living or supported lodgings. Further, where a jobseeker has been in care during the 12 months prior to reaching 18 years of age then they are exempt from the reduced rates for jobseeker's allowance that would otherwise apply. However, a person, after turning 18 years of age, is entitled to choose whether or not to avail of planned supports, and this is outside the control of Tusla.

The Government has decided to amend the legislative provisions regarding aftercare. The aim is to create a clear statement of Tusla's duty to satisfy itself as to the child's or young person's need for assistance by preparing a plan that identifies those needs for aftercare supports. It is anticipated that the Aftercare Bill will be published shortly.