Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 28 May 2026
501. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality whether any review has been undertaken since 2020 regarding the adequacy of aftercare supports for care-experienced young adults over 21 years of age, particularly those with histories of special care, psychiatric admission, severe trauma or placement instability; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41130/26]
View answerStatutory responsibility for the provision of aftercare rests in the first instance with Tusla, as set out in the Child Care Act 1991 and the Child and Family Agency Act 2013. Tusla is independent in the performance of its duties and may exercise discretion in carrying out its statutory functions.
Tusla has advised that the effectiveness of aftercare supports is evaluated primarily at an individual level, namely the assessment of need, the preparation and implementation of an aftercare plan, and the ongoing review and updating of the plan where needs change or where the plan is not meeting identified need. The focus is on whether the supports set out in the plan are aligned to assessed need and are assisting the young person to progress towards improved outcomes across the key life domains..
In 2022 the Department launched a research and data programme, Care Experiences: Journeys Through the Irish Care System, which is being run in close collaboration with the Child and Family Agency, Tusla.
The Care Experiences Programme comprises a combination of primary research and administrative data analysis to examine and better understand the lives of children and young people in care and aftercare and adults who were in care as children.
As part of the Programme, the Department has commissioned two studies which specifically look at the experiences and outcomes of those who have left the care system. One study has undertaken research with care leavers and stakeholders to explore the educational and career journeys of young care leavers. A second study is looking at the experiences and outcomes of adults who left the care system ten to fifteen years ago. Reports from these studies will be published this year.
Additionally, in 2023 Tusla published the Strategic Plan for Aftercare Services for Young People and Young Adults 2023 - 2026. The 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.
