Anne Rabbitte (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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28. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of young persons under and over 18 years of age that were on a waiting list to access an aftercare worker at the end of 2016 by area, in tabular form; the average length of time a young person spends on the waiting list before gaining access to an aftercare worker; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22333/17]

Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent)
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Tusla has informed me that in 2016, a total of 605 young persons left care that year. The reason for his being that they had reached 18 years of age. At the end of 2016, Tusla has indicated that 1,055 young persons in care were aged 16 or 17 years of age. Of these 432 (41%) had been allocated an aftercare worker. Tusla has advised that it does not collate data on the waiting periods before an aftercare worker has been assigned. I have made the tabular data requested by the Deputy available for inclusion in the record of the House.

Each year, between approximately 500-600 young persons will turn 18 years of age while in care. In recent times, I understand that about 75% of 17 year olds in care were in foster placements, a further 20% approximately were reported to be placed in residential settings. The remaining 5% are in other settings, for example a disability setting or supported lodgings.

I am conscious that the transition to independent adulthood can be challenging for many young people. This is particularly true for children and young people in care. Planning for leaving care needs to begin in the years prior to leaving care and continue as part of the care planning process. This preparatory work is facilitated by a social worker and is based on collaboration with the young person, their carers and partner agencies. It is specific to the individual young person's needs. During the preparation for leaving care an aftercare worker is introduced to the young person. They are involved in the preparation for the leaving care process.

Tusla prioritises children in residential care, and short term foster care, for the early allocation of an aftercare worker. Children in long term foster care, with an allocated social worker, have their aftercare plan developed with the social worker. If their plan is to remain living with their foster carers, on a case by case basis, it may be considered best practice that they would be allocated an aftercare worker when they are in their 17th year. I believe that this is a pragmatic approach which matches needs to available resources.

There are pending amendments to the Child Care Act 1991 which will place a statutory obligation to provide an aftercare plan before the young person leaves care. I intend that this provision will be commenced shortly. I have secured the funding needed to recruit additional aftercare workers to enable Tusla to deliver this new commitment in full.

In some situations, the child's social worker may continue in the role of an aftercare worker when the child reaches 18 years. My Department working to implement the changes that are needed. There is no doubt that improvements are needed and I intend to ensure that they happen.

Children 16 & 17 years with an allocated aftercare worker at end December 2016