Anne Rabbitte (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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596. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the complaints and appeals mechanisms that are in place for foster care parents who feel that they or their foster child have been treated unfairly or inappropriately by Tusla; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50458/17]

Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent)
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In serving the best interest of the child, it is vital that the voices of foster carers and children in care are heard.

Foster carers can raise any issue or provide feedback directly with their link worker in the first instance, and subsequently with team leader or principal social worker, and they may also make representations to their Foster Care Committee. In addition, foster carers can make use of the Tusla, the Child and Family Agency feedback and complaints mechanism, "Tell Us". All foster carers may also submit a complaint to the Office of the Ombudsman if these mechanisms prove unsatisfactory.

A complaints system for children in care is part of the National Standards for Foster Care. Children coming into care are informed of how to make a complaint, verbally or in writing, and of their right to do so. This can be done directly with their social worker, or with the team leader or principal social worker. Alternatively, children in care can also use Tusla's "Tell us" process or make their complaint known to the Ombudsman for Children. The child's social worker, foster carers or advocacy groups often act on the child's behalf and provide support in making their views known. For example, Empowering People in Care (EPIC) is an independent organisation which works with and advocates on behalf of children and young people in care.

In addition, the Irish Foster Care Association (IFCA) independently advocates on behalf of foster carers, providing support and mediation services as needed in the event of differences that may arise. This includes a support helpline, funded by Tusla, which is available to all foster carers.