Tommy Broughan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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62. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of children in Tusla who have a care plan; the number who do not have a care plan, indicating the length of time without a care plan; the categories of those with no care plan such as priority, high risk, low risk and so on; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15024/17]

Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent)
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The latest figures from Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, indicate that, in December 2016, there were 6,258 children in care. Of these, 5,854 (94%) had a written care plan. This is an increase from 90% (5,768/6388) of children in care with a written care plan at the end of December 2015. The additional information requested by the Deputy is not collected by Tusla. I am pleased to inform the Deputy that 14 of the 17 administrative areas met the target of 90% of children in care having a written care plan. The additional funding of €37 million which I secured for Tusla in 2017 should result in higher levels of children in care having a written care plan.

The placement of children in care is governed by Regulations which provide, inter alia, for the welfare of the child, the care practices, care records, accommodation and safety precautions. 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 the 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 member, 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.