Pat Buckley (Cork East, Sinn Fein)
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1491. To ask the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to take steps to improve aftercare support and a guaranteed transition plan for all young people leaving care; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [58254/25]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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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 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.

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 adult's day to day costs, including accommodation as they progress in their chosen accredited course or training program.

Collaboration across Government is also essential in improving the lived experiences of our young people leaving care. This cross governmental approach was clearly evident in the recently revised and updated Protocol on Young People Leaving Care. Through successful engagement between officials in the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and their colleagues in the Department of Children, Disability and Equality, the revised Protocol ensures consistent housing and support for young people leaving State care. The Protocol also outlines clearly defined procedures for Housing Authorities and Tusla in managing the assessment of these young people and their housing needs.

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