Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South Central, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

539. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if there is a model here similar to the children's panel that exists in Scotland (details supplied); and if not, her plans to put in place such a panel. [17533/18]

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

As the Deputy will be aware, the Scottish Children’s Panels exist in a very different legislative environment and framework to that prevailing in this State. Accordingly, the introduction of an analogous body is not proposed at this time.

However, as the Deputy knows, my Department is currently undertaking a wide-ranging review of the Child Care Act 1991, the principal legislation underpinning the child protection system. As part of this review, which is a commitment under Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures: The National Policy Framework for Children and Young People, 2014 – 2020, my officials will naturally take into account the developments and experiences of the child protection systems in other jurisdictions in Europe and beyond. All matters relevant to the situation of children in care will be considered in the context of the Review.

It should also be noted that Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, already makes use of innovative methods to identify the appropriate intervention for children in need of help, including the use of Family welfare conferences (FWCs). Family welfare conferencing is a tool that harnesses the power of the extended family to create durable solutions for children and young people. With the support of an independent facilitator, FWCs enable families to make choices and to take ownership of a situation and its solutions. For example, in the case of relative foster care, a FWC might be used to ascertain the views of the child and their family on who in the extended family might be best placed to offer care to the child and thus lessen the impact and dislocation of entering care. Family Welfare Conferences are also an integral part of the Children Act 2001. The approach recognises the centrality of parental and family relationships and informal support networks in promoting the welfare of children and ensuring their safety, while enabling the Agency to meet its statutory and co-ordination functions.