Child protection groups warn on aftercare system

Government officials risk causing 20 more years of needless deaths in Ireland’s State care services unless they fully implement detailed plans to revamp the sector’s aftercare system.

The claim was made by child protection groups during the latest Oireachtas health committee meeting last night.

The cross-party group met to discuss a draft bill by Children’s Minister Frances Fitzgerald, which aims to address a long-term problem in how children who leave State care are treated.

Under the current system, once a teen in care turns 17 they are effectively no longer the State’s responsibility and receive limited help, which recent tragedies show risks homelessness, drug addiction, and death.

The health committee was told plans put forward by Ms Fitzgerald’s department, to be published this year, will include a clearer dedication to keep in touch with people when they leave the system and financial packages to help them bridge the gap to independence.

In addition, “proactive” efforts to stay in touch with young adults who initially decline ongoing assistance despite their vulnerable position, and assistance to those who turned 17 when in juvenile detention centres will also be provided.

Speaking at the committee, officials from charities Barnardos, Empowering People in Care, the Children’s Rights Alliance and homelessness organisation Focus Ireland welcomed the long-overdue moves.

However, they warned that unless the plans are implemented in full, the sector could be doomed to repeat previous tragedies which have led to needless deaths of vulnerable young people.

“We don’t want the plans to be restricted for any reason and for vulnerable people to slip through the net.

“Now is our chance to make sure that doesn’t happen and that we’re not here in another 20 years’ time reading another report on child deaths,” explained Barnardos’ policy development officer June Tinsley.

She said there is a need for “a clear definition of what aftercare” specifically involves for each young adult receiving the support, and that it is Barnardos’ view the Department of Children and Youth Affairs must retain a degree of responsibility for them until they turn 25.

“The State must ensure supports are there, as any parent would,” she said.

The need for reform has received widespread attention since a shocking 2012 Child Death Review Group report found at least 196 children, teens and young adults died while the responsibility of the service between 2000 and 2010.