Written answers

Thursday, 24 March 2022

Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

Unaccompanied Minors and Separated Children

Photo of Cathal CroweCathal Crowe (Clare, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

301. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the way that Tusla will help with the arrival of unaccompanied minor refugees from Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15319/22]

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

Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, has a dedicated social work team for Separated Children Seeking International Protection (SCSIP). Over the past 20 years, the SCSIP Team has developed expertise through Ireland’s participation in International Refugee Protection Programmes and by caring for the greater number of separated children seeking international protection who arrive unannounced at Irish ports and airports.

Separated children seeking international protection who arrive at ports of entry to Ireland are referred to Tusla for a child protection needs assessment.

In the first instance, Tusla makes every attempt to contact relatives of the child and to reunite the child with family members or friends. If children cannot be reunified with family or friends, they are received into the care of Tusla .

Should large numbers of separated children arrive in a short time span from Ukraine, Tusla, along with other agencies, will undertake assessment of need interviews and will arrange or refer children to safe, emergency needs led accommodation.

The profile of care and accommodation that will be offered will depend on the numbers arriving and their circumstances; if they have family already here, their age, their language skills and their assessed needs. Accommodation that will be offered include Tusla foster care placements, commissioned placements and established residential settings. Should a large number of separated children arrive, options such as boarding school accommodation, pledged family accommodation and other resources will be considered, in line with safety requirements.

Guidance regarding safeguarding and the immediate needs of children who have encountered trauma will be provided by the Tusla dedicated SCSIP Team and the broader Tusla child protection and foster care services.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.