Written Answers. - Parliamentary Debates - Houses of the Oireachtas

Questions— 14 February 2012. Written Answers
tion of detailed information of children in care and those leaving care. However, I am advised
by the HSE that 1,146 young people were in receipt of an aftercare service at the end of
December 2011.
Some 90% of children in care are in foster care and a large number of these remain living
with their foster families, supported financially by the HSE, on reaching 18 years of age. These
young people continue in education and training as planned. This remains a key component of
aftercare for young people when they leave care. Children who have been in residential care,
short term foster placements, multiple placements and those who have dropped out of
education/training are most at risk and in need of support when they leave care. The most
important requirements for young people leaving care are for secure, suitable accommodation
as well as further education, employment or training and social support. Aftercare provision
incorporates advice, guidance and practical support. An individual holistic needs assessment
identifies a young person’s need for accommodation, financial support, social network support
and training and education in the months before their 18th birthday. The level of support
required will vary for each individual.
There are approximately 45 dedicated Aftercare workers in the HSE and recruitment of 10
additional aftercare workers is currently underway. In addition, many social workers while not
dedicated aftercare workers, provide aftercare as part of their workload. The HSE also provides
funding and has agreements in place with a number of bodies including Focus Ireland and
Clare Care, to provide full-time aftercare workers.
The National Aftercare Service is underpinned by a National Policy and Procedures Document
which has been developed in cooperation with the key stakeholders including the voluntary
sector agencies involved in Aftercare provision and my Department. The policy commits
to promoting and achieving the best outcomes for young people leaving care and in ensuring
consistency of support to these young people.The most vulnerable group of young people
leaving care are those that have dropped out of education and training and those that have left
residential care. Some of these young people have mental health problems or a disability. The
HSE is alert to this group and the implementation group is working together to improve their
circumstances. The HSE has committed to monitor implementation of this policy in the 2012
National Service Plan. I will review demand and uptake of the service over the course of 2012,
with a view to assessing how the service is addressing need.
Health Service Staff
71. Deputy John Browne asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if the 60
additional social workers promised for 2011 were not in place, the reason this was the case;
and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8087/12]
Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald): The HSE made provision
for the recruitment of an additional 62 social workers in 2011. The recruitment process
is being managed by the HSE National Recruitment Service. The HSE indicated in December
2011 that all of these posts had been either filled or accepted. I am advised by the HSE that
twenty five individuals have already taken up duty with the remainder expected to come on
stream in the coming weeks. My Department will continue to closely monitor the position with
regard to the recruitment of the additional personnel.
The additional social workers are being targeted at priority areas of the service having regard
to an overall assessment of workload undertaken by the National Director and his team. The
recruitment of the additional social workers is one element of a wider change agenda within
the HSE, through which I believe we can deliver better outcomes for children and families.
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