Verona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
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1354.To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will provide additional funding to allow therapy and support services (details supplied) in County Wexford continue to provide services in the county; and if he will make a statement on the matter.[34358/24]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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I acknowledge that Children at Risk in Ireland (CARI) offers an important and vital service to children who have experienced sexual abuse, and the support offered by the service to the parents of those children.

CARI is commissioned by Tusla to provide child-centred therapy for children & adolescents who have been affected by sexual abuse. CARI also provides therapy to children, up to 12 years of age, who present with sexually harmful behaviour.

In August 2023, CARI advised Tusla of issues relating to a financial deficit and sustainability and Tusla has engaged with CARI since these difficulties came to light. Tusla has worked with CARI on a cost containment plan to support a financially sustainable organisational structure, and optimise the therapy provided within the agreed funding allocation.

The Board of CARI also commissioned an independent review of their funding and operating model. The Board of CARI and Tusla were satisfied that the cost containment recommendations would support an organisation structure that is financially sustainable and operates within the agreed funding allocation. It will also maximise the amount of therapy provided by CARI in its Limerick and Dublin locations.

In recognition of the difficulties faced by CARI, Tusla allocated €1.050m in funding in 2023 which included two emergency one off payments totalling €250,000. The once off additional funding of €250,000 was provided by Tusla to allow the Board of CARI time to develop a business plan for 2024 in line with their allocation and to provide a sustainable model of financial governance.

Tusla continues to support CARI and in 2024 is providing core funding of €625,000 and an additional €150,000 to CARI to support the implementation of the Barnahus model.

Tusla Local Service Managers also commission additional services from CARI, on an on-going basis, in line with local need and funding allocations, and this continues in 2024 and is separate to and in addition to core funding allocated for CARI.

It is important to note that Tusla has not reduced funding to CARI’s core funding allocation.

The recommendations in the cost containment plan included the closure of the Wexford Outreach service. This service provided therapeutic services for four children. A therapeutic plan has been agreed for each child, and when the service closed at the end of August 2024, the four children continue to be provided with the required therapy services until their treatment is scheduled to conclude, arranged by local Tusla therapeutic teams.

Tusla continues to engage with CARI on funding and sustainability matters, and my Department is kept informed of developments.