Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Aontú)
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1517. To ask the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the consideration given to extending residential and foster care up to the age of 21; and for aftercare support to be available up to the age of 26, regardless of progression onto further or higher education. [58646/25]

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.

Foster care and residential care cannot continue past the age of 18, because upon reaching the age of 18, a young person is deemed to be an adult, and 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, including continuing education, 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. There are no intentions, at this time, to extend aftercare beyond this age range.

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.

Care leavers not engaged in education and not in employment may be eligible for the full Jobseekers Allowance (€244) rather than the reduced rate (€153.70) for individuals under the age of 25, provided that they meet eligibility criteria.

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