Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

272. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of children in care with an up-to-date care plan, by local area division, in tabular form; if her attention has been drawn to media reports of a discrepancy between Tusla and HIQA figures; the reason for this discrepancy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22377/17]

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

The latest figures from Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, indicate that, at the end of February 2017, there were 6,309 children in care. Of these, 5,784 (92%) had a written care plan. I can inform the Deputy that 12 of the 17 administrative areas met Tusla's target of 90% of children in care having a written care plan. Figures are provided to HIQA by Tusla and are drawn from data available at the time of the request.

The placement of children in care is governed by the Child Care Regulations 1995 which provide for the welfare of the child, the care practices, care plans, accommodation and safety precautions. 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. When a child is received into care on an emergency basis the care plan is to be developed within 14 days of the placement.

The number of Children in Care with a written care plan at end February 2017