Tommy Broughan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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58. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her plans with the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government to monitor and protect the well-being of children experiencing homelessness; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6740/17]

Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent)
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As part of a whole-Government approach to homelessness, with input across different departments, I am also committed to helping children and families by supporting implementation of Rebuilding Ireland: the Action Plan for Housing and Homelessness. While the concerted efforts and actions outlined in the Action Plan will result in families moving on from hotels more quickly, my Department, together with Tusla, is working to support parents and children in order to minimise, as much as possible, the impacts of living in emergency accommodation.

My Department has policy responsibility for children under 18 who present as ‘out of home’ without their parent(s) or guardian(s) and any child welfare and protection concerns that may arise in the context of the Child Care Act 1991. Children under 16 who present as out of home to emergency services are taken into care. Children aged 16 and 17 may be taken into care, or provided with a service under section 5 of the Child Care Act 1991 (accommodation for homeless children).

A child, irrespective of accommodation status, who comes to the attention of Tusla will, where the appropriate threshold has been reached, have an assessment carried out by a social worker. Where Tusla has concerns regarding the welfare and development of a child, due to parenting difficulties or adverse environmental factors, they will provide family supports to assist the family and child. Ongoing monitoring will form part of the response by Tusla where it is required. In addition, referrals to other services e.g. mental health services, will be made where appropriate.

My Department understands that enhanced National Quality Standards for Homeless Services are currently being developed by the Dublin Region Homeless Executive on behalf of all local authorities. A national advisory group has been in place since 2014 with representation from non-governmental homelessness service providers, the Health Service Executive, Tusla and others, as well as the housing authorities. Draft standards were piloted in services in four of the nine homeless regions during 2016 and it is expected that they will be implemented nationally in the first half of this year. This will, over time, enhance the quality of homeless service provision.