Alan Farrell (Dublin Fingal, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

389. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the supports that TUSLA provide to young adults leaving foster care to secure their own accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12545/22]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The primary responsibility for housing lies with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and local authorities. This responsibility includes the accommodation needs of young persons leaving all forms of State care, including that of foster care.

Policy responsibility for homeless young people, insofar as it extends to DCEDIY, relates to children under 18 and any child welfare and protection concerns that may arise in the context of the Child Care Act 1991. Children under 16 who present as being homeless to emergency services are taken into care. Children aged 16 and 17 may be taken into care, or provided with accommodation under section 5 of the Child Care Act 1991.

Young adults leaving State care from foster care, and who have one year’s care experience between the ages of 13 – 18 years of age, are eligible for referral to the aftercare service.

In addition Tusla have a legal obligation to have an aftercare plan for every young person who is eligible for an aftercare service, which is informed by an assessment of need carried out prior to the young person leaving care. This requirement to carry out an assessment of need has been legislated for through section 45a of the Child Care act, 1991, (as amended by the Child Care (Amendment) Act, 2015). Specifically section 45a(3)(f) of the Act stipulates that the assessment shall include any accommodation needs the young person may have. A requirement as to whether the young person would benefit from the allocation of an aftercare worker, also forms part of the assessment of need.

Once allocated, an aftercare worker will work in partnership with the young person in assessing their accommodation needs and securing accommodation to meet these needs.  In this process the aftercare worker works in partnership with other key stakeholders in securing suitable accommodation. This may include the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government, the HSE, and Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration & Youth on projects to secure housing for eligible young adults leaving foster care. 

Eligible young adults leaving foster care are also entitled to an aftercare grant. The aftercare grant is a once off payment paid to the eligible adult when they leave placement and is to assist with rent/ deposit and startup costs associated with initial moving home expenses.

An aftercare allowance may also be available to eligible young adults transitioning from foster care and towards independent living. The allowance currently amounts to €300 a week and is dependent on the eligible young adult attending an accredited education course, third level course or training programme as outlined in the young adult’s Aftercare Plan.

The allowance is provided to cover a young adults day to day costs, including accommodation as they progress in their chosen accredited course or training program. Continuing in further education or training entitles the young person to receive the aftercare allowance even after they turn 21 and up until 23 years of age.

The data below demonstrates the range of accommodation types for young adults in receipt of an aftercare service, Q4 2021.