Thomas Gould (Cork North-Central, Sinn Fein)
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757. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if she is aware that foster carers receive a cut in payment when a child turns 18, even if the child is still in full-time schooling; and if she will consider extending the full payment to children who are finishing school. [25373/25]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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Foster care is the preferred option for children who cannot live with their family of origin, and foster carers provide a safe, secure and stable home environment for these vulnerable children and young people. Foster carers are paid a weekly allowance, which is a payment in respect of the child in their care. The foster care allowance is currently €400 per week for a child under 12 years of age and €425 per week for a child aged 12 years and over.

A young person, upon reaching the age of 18 and who has been in State care is deemed to have left care. Care leavers who have spent 12 months in care between the age of 13-18 are eligible for aftercare supports. Tusla may also provide 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 paid to the young person. This allowance is dependent on the eligible young adult attending an accredited education course, third level course or training programme as outlined in the young person’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. There are currently no plans to review allowances in relation to aftercare.

The Child Care Act 1991 (as amended) 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.

Care leavers may also be entitled to a number of additional financial supports in respect of education which include the SUSI Grant (which is payable at the higher rate for care leavers) and the Tusla Dormant Accounts funded Bursary Scheme.

In 2023 Tusla published its Strategic Plan for Aftercare Services for Young People and Young Adults. My Department continues to engage with Tusla on the implementation of this plan with a view to improving aftercare services for care leavers, particularly those at risk of homelessness.