Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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574. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of young persons in State care who have not been allocated a social worker; the action that is being taken to ensure that all young persons who need a social worker have access to one; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20668/15]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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The latest figures available show that in February 2015 there were 6,393 children in the care of Tusla, the Child and Family Agency. Of these, nearly 93% are in foster care, either with relatives or a general foster placement. Of all children in care, over 92% (5,878) have an allocated social worker and 90% (5,739) have an up to date written care plan. This indicates that 515 children in care are without a dedicated social worker and that there were 654 who did not have an updated care plan.

The policy in place and utilised by Tusla states that all children coming into care, and those in high risk placements, have an allocated social worker. Maternity leave, vacancies and competing priorities all contribute to gaps in staffing, which can cause strain on the allocation of social workers. I would note that figures provided by Tusla for children with a written care plan only include care plans that have formally completed the review process required under the Child Care Regulations 1995. Where a review is taking place, the existing care plan remains in place.

According to Tusla policy, where a child is awaiting the allocation of a social worker, they are responded to by a duty team on a risk management basis for any change in circumstances. During this time, specific pieces of work on the child's case may be undertaken by staff working in the duty system. Also, structures are in place to regulate and inspect service provision, including the independent inspection regime of the Health Information and Quality Authority. I am satisfied that, overall, the necessary services and supports are in place to ensure the care and welfare of children in State care.

Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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575. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if a programme is available for young persons leaving State care (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20669/15]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Aftercare is the term used to describe the planning and support put in place to meet the needs of a young person who is leaving statutory care at 18 years of age, to assist him/her in making the transition to independent living. An aftercare programme is based on an assessed need, and an aftercare worker can make arrangements for various supports, including support for accommodation, and accessing training and education. Programmes for life skills can be provided if this is one of the assessed needs of the child who is preparing to leave care.

Aftercare workers are provided both by Tusla as well as through services that are commissioned from community, voluntary and private organisations. 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. I understand that Tusla provides age appropriate information for young people preparing to leave care, and has plans for further accessible information on diet, money management and other basic life skills.

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.