Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

696. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if it is the case that a new aftercare allowance will be introduced from August 2015 that will pay €300 weekly per individual care leaver in full-time education being looked after by foster parents; if this represents a cut of €52 per week for those in foster care; his views that this might have a negative effect on care leavers not in or struggling with full-time education; the steps being taken to ensure that services for care leavers are put in place to support them taking a full and active role in all parts of society; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30710/15]

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

All young people leaving care who have been in care for 12 months on their 16th birthday or for 12 consecutive months prior to their 18th birthday are entitled to an aftercare plan. The transition to independent adulthood can be challenging for many young people and a key factor in achieving success is ensuring that assessment, preparation and planning for leaving care begins in the years prior to leaving care and continues as part of the care planning process. This work is based on collaboration with the young person, their carers and partner agencies to generate an aftercare plan that is specific to the individual young person's needs.

The system care supports provided to the young person will be based on their assessed needs. The needs of young people vary widely. Financial support is one element of this support. Advice, guidance, support and signposting are key elements of this service and these supports are available to all care leavers. For those young people who are not in training or education, aftercare services have a key role in providing support to them in liaising with the relevant departments and agencies in accessing financial assistance, employment opportunities, training or supporting them to return to education.

I have been advised by Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, that following consultation Tusla has introduced a Standardised National Aftercare Allowance for young people who have been in care for 12 months on their 16th birthday or for 12 consecutive months prior to their 18th birthday. This weekly standardised allowance of €300 per week ensures equality for all care leavers engaged in training and education.

This allowance is the first step in a phased development of aftercare services and will provide certainty and consistency for care leavers for the first time. Each care leaver as part of their leaving and aftercare planning will have an Individual Financial Support Plan. This plan forms part of an assessment of need which takes account of all sources of financial support from Tusla, the Department of Education and Skills, the Department of Social Protection and the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government.

The introduction of this aftercare allowance is a step in demonstrating Tusla's commitment to an aftercare service that offers consistent supports to ensure that young people leaving care and aftercare reach their potential in adult life.

Tusla will issue a number of frequently asked questions in relation to this matter on its website, in the coming days.