Tommy Broughan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

362. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the progress made to date on Action 1.7 in Rebuilding Ireland with regard to meeting the needs of young persons leaving State care and at risk of homelessness; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18491/17]

Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Every year approximately 450 young people leave the care of the State. A significant number of these remain living with their foster carers. Those who do not have family support from a foster carer or family base are assisted in finding accommodation in supported lodgings, sheltered housing or independent accommodation and encouraged and supported financially in furthering their training and education.

The care leavers most vulnerable to homelessness are those leaving residential or short-term foster care placements. Children who come into care late, in their mid to late teens, may not have developed the relationships with staff or aftercare workers that help them achieve good outcomes. It is essential that these young people have an opportunity to develop a relationship with a dedicated aftercare worker who will work with them to identify their needs and ensure that services are in place to help provide them with the stability and support they need.

In addition to the aftercare planning and supports provided by Tusla, Rebuilding Ireland – the Action Plan for Housing and Homelessness commits to ensuring that young people leaving State care who are at risk of homelessness are identified and catered for through appropriate housing and other supports.

Funding is now, for the first time, available under the Capital Assistance Scheme (CAS) enabling Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) to acquire residential units to accommodate young people exiting State care. My Department is currently working closely with Tusla on the development of principles and criteria relating to any such funding proposals.

Tusla has also redistributed the protocol on young people leaving State care, agreed with the City and County Managers Association, to Housing Authorities and within Tusla itself. The aim of this protocol is to ensure that the necessary measures are in place to prevent homelessness for young people leaving State care and will be applied within aftercare steering groups, on which representatives of the Local Authorities sit in conjunction with other stakeholders, for the delivery of aftercare support.