Tommy Broughan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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17. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of children in residential care here, indicating the units and numbers and the private service providers and numbers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22970/16]

Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent)
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There were 343 children in residential care at the end of April 2016.

- This represents approximately 5% of all children in care.

- Just over half, 185 children, were in private residential care centres.

- I have been informed that there are currently 146 children's residential centres, of which - 81 are privately managed, Tusla manages 39 and 26 are managed by voluntary bodies.

- The most recent figures available show that about 70% of children in residential care are aged 15, 16 and 17 years.

- Children in care, whether in Tusla or privately run centres, remain in the statutory care of Tusla. They should have an allocated social worker and a care plan, developed in partnership with their carers.

- Private children residential centres are registered, inspected and have a service level agreement in place. The placement of a child in private centres is made in accordance with Tusla's Placement Protocols.