Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 27 May 2026
185. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the criteria under which a child is placed into special emergency arrangements; the extent foster parent’s concerns are considered when placing a child into special emergency arrangements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40667/26]
View answerTusla has advised that in instances where an immediate place of safety is required for a young person, a special emergency arrangement (SEA) may be used. Young people may require an emergency placement following a serious breakdown in a home, foster care or residential care placement, and sometimes in the context of complex needs. While Tusla social workers make every attempt to listen to foster carers' concerns, it may not be possible, in every circumstance, to take their preferences into account in the context of acute placement breakdown.
The Government and the Department of Children are aware of the challenges faced by Tusla to provide suitable accommodation for all children in care, and are committed to continuing to provide whatever support to Tusla is necessary to address these challenges. Both Tusla and I share a common aim to meet the needs of all children in alternative care placements, to reduce reliance on SEAs and to minimise the length of time spent by any individual child in an SEA.
