Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent)
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46. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the status of the abolition of the 40 year age gap requirement that was previously used by Tusla as part of the assessment for suitability to foster; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14777/17]

Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent)
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I am pleased to confirm that Tusla, the Child and Family Agency has recently revised its Policy, Procedures and Best Practice Guidance for Foster Care Committees. Following extensive consultation with relevant stakeholders to review the original policy and guidance document, which had been approved in 2012, the revised guidance was signed off by Tusla’s National Policy and Oversight Group on 17 February 2017.

I can confirm that one of the issues that arose during consultation, and which has been addressed in the revised document, concerns the previous guidance in relation to the age of applicants. This guidance in relation to age has been removed, with the focus now being placed on appropriate matching and the use of professional judgement when approving carers, placing children and making long-term matches.

I am informed that the chair of the working group is currently engaging with workforce learning and development and a senior member of staff from the Chief Operating Officer’s office to develop briefings which will be delivered to all appropriate staff over the next twelve weeks. This will help to ensure a uniform roll out and to ensure consistent implementation of the new guidance.