Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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120. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the extent to which ongoing review takes place in respect of children in care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21029/15]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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A care plan for each child who is received into care is required under the Child Care Regulations 1995. The regulations stipulate that all care plans are to be reviewed and updated on a regular basis and sets out the frequency for these reviews to take place. A review of the care planned for a child under the Child Care Act 1991, as amended, is a process to monitor and review the progress of the plan and to update it if required. A key consideration for the social worker is to consult with the child, family members, foster carers, and other people involved with the child to ensure that his or her needs are being met and that the care being provided is optimal.

It is important to note that where a review is underway, the existing care plan remains in place. When reporting on the number of care plans in place, Tusla only includes figures for care plans that are currently up to date and does not include those under review.

In putting together its practice handbook, Tusla took into account the regulatory requirements and listened to children who were in care. This consultation showed that the perception of the children involved was that reviews were not working as well as they should and the child friendly aspect could be improved. This has been highlighted in Tusla's practice handbook to ensure that reviews are designed for all the participant's voices to be heard and that the child is, in every practical way, at the heart of the process.