Officials from the Department are currently progressing the development of The National Policy Framework for Alternative Care. The Framework will aim to articulate a future and Whole of Government vision of alternative care in Ireland, including consideration of eligibility for aftercare, and will also deliver on a Programme for Government commitment in this regard.
A robust consultation process is currently underway to support the development of the National Policy Framework, through which the views of members of the public, stakeholders, key workers and carers, and people with care experience has been captured. Eligibility for aftercare services has been raised by stakeholders as an important issue. The National Policy Framework is expected to be delivered in summer 2026.