Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent)
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1140. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of children in State care in hotel accommodation by month in 2021 and to date in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20243/22]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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To reply to the Deputy's question my Department requested information from Tusla. They have informed us that Tusla, the Child & Family Agency is committed to ensuring that all children and young people who can no longer live with their parents or guardian at a particular time, are provided with a safe alternative care placement.

Tusla advised that the number of children in state care in hotel accommodation, each month varies for a number of reasons, some of which are multi-factorial in nature. Examples include a break-down in placements; lack of suitable placements; complexity of the young person’s needs, including psychological or mental health issues; criminality; substance abuse or concerns for their safety. As the operating environment for such placements is dynamic, and numbers fluctuate on a daily basis, on average between 9-11 young people are referred for such emergency placements per month.

Tusla further stated that such placements are considered short-term, transitional and exceptional. By way of example, in 2021, Tusla received 72,762 referrals. At the end of January 2022 there were 5,850 children in care. Of the children in care, 90% are in Foster Care, 8% are in residential care and the remaining 2% are in “other” care placements, including supported lodgings, at home under a care order, other residential centres (e.g., disability) or a detention centre.

Tusla further advised that it is currently developing an Alternative Care Strategic Plan to ensure that it continues to improve services for children, young people and their families. The Alternative Care Strategy incorporates a specific plan for Residential Care Services, Foster Care and Aftercare.

The Report on the Residential Care Strategic Plan 2022-25 was approved by the Tusla Board on 25th March. Tusla has committed to delivering the Strategic Plan for Foster Care to the Board by June 2022, followed by the Strategic Plan for Aftercare in October 2022.

Ensuring that the children and young people in the care of Tusla are in the appropriate care placement, with the appropriate support services, is an enduring priority for Tusla, in order to enable the best possible outcomes for every child.