Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, RISE)
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965. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the measures being taken to support a person (details supplied), who has lost her aftercare as a result of dropping out of education because of severe anorexia. [44945/24]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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Young people who have had a care history with Tusla are entitled to an aftercare service based on their eligibility and assessed needs. This assessment considers a number of factors including the young person’s educational and accommodation needs.

Upon reaching the age of 18, a young person is deemed to have left State care. All eligible care leavers are supported through aftercare services provided by Tusla. Care leavers, depending on need, may be allocated an aftercare worker. All care leavers, without exception or age limit, can attend drop-in services organised by the Tusla aftercare service.

The Child Care Act (Amended) 1991 sets out that where Tusla is providing assistance to a person in accordance with an aftercare plan by arranging for the completion of education and by contributing to maintenance while completing education, and that person attains the age of 21 years, Tusla may continue to provide that assistance until the completion of the course of education or the end of the academic year during which the person attains the age of 23, whichever is the earlier.

Tusla provides financial support to eligible care leavers who are engaged in a qualifying educational course or training programme. The aftercare allowance amounts to €300 per 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.

Care leavers not engaged in education and not in employment may be eligible for the full Jobseekers Allowance (€232.00) rather than the reduced rate (€141.70) for individuals under the age of 25, provided that they meet eligibility criteria. Increases to these rates have been announced as part of Estimates 2025, to €244 and €153.70 respectively.

In relation to accommodation supports, 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 State care. In this regard, care leavers have been included as a separate category for funding under the Capital Assistance Scheme (CAS) to enable Approved Housing Bodies to acquire residential units to accommodate them.

In 2023 Tusla published the Strategic Plan for Aftercare Services for Young People and Young Adults. My Department is engaging with the implementation of this plan with a view to improving aftercare services for care leavers.