Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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210. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of children in care with an up-to-date care plan; the number of children awaiting an update of their existing care plan; the number of children awaiting a care plan by local area division in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26134/18]

Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent)
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The latest figures from Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, indicate that, at the end of February 2018, there were 6,161 children in care. Of these, 5,581 (91%) had a written care plan.

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 following table lists the number of children in care, and the number of children awaiting a written care plan, by administrative area. I wish to advise the Deputy that this information is published on a monthly basis by Tusla and is available on .

The number of Children in Care awaiting a written care plan by administrative area at end February 2017