Claire Kerrane (Roscommon-Galway, Sinn Fein)
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1868. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to report on the collaborative work being undertaken by her Department and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage on the youth homeless strategy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19873/25]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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A response will be provided directly to the Deputy in the coming days.

Claire Kerrane (Roscommon-Galway, Sinn Fein)
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1869. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to report on the proposed changes to Tusla's aftercare services for young people leaving State care; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19874/25]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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Tusla has a duty, under Section 45 of the Child Care Act 1991 to make a decision whether each person leaving care has a need for assistance, and to provide services in accordance with the legislation and subject to available resources. Young people who have had a care history with Tusla are entitled to an aftercare service based on their eligibility and assessed needs.

Tusla has advised that in terms of the Tusla reform programme no final decision has yet been made in respect of the future structure of aftercare services. Tusla has further advised that all decisions are being made in full consultation with staff and relevant staff partners.

Separately, the Childcare Amendment Act 2015 sets out Tusla’s statutory duty to carry out an assessment of need for eligible care leavers. This assessment assists the aftercare service in determining the level of support which the young person will require in a number of areas, including their educational and accommodation needs.

My Department will continue to engage with and support Tusla in improving aftercare services for care leavers.