EPIC WELCOMES ADDITIONAL FUNDING TO CHILD AND FAMILY AGENCY
Immediate Release: 11th October 2016
EPIC today welcomes the news that an additional €37 million will be allocated to Tusla, the Child and Family Agency in today’s budget totalling the annual budget of Tusla to €713 million. The allocation of this funding will be used for the employment of Social Workers to unallocated cases, development of special care services and enhancing Tusla’s capacity to respond in the areas of aftercare and children first legislation.
Speaking following this budget announcement, Director of EPIC, Jennifer Gargan made the following comment:
“EPIC welcomes the additional funding provided to Tusla, the Child & Family Agency who require this funding in order to fulfil its function to protect the welfare of children. As a National Advocacy Service, EPIC continues to experience cases where children in care have no social worker. If a child is without a social worker, he/she is often without a voice. While EPIC welcomes this news, we believe that further funding is required in order to ensure that every child has a meaningful relationship with their Social Worker.
EPIC also welcomes the news of funding for the provision of aftercare. One of the biggest issues presenting to our National Advocacy Service is the aftercare needs of young people leaving State Care. However, the commencement of Aftercare legislation is a matter of urgency to ensure every young person leaving care has an aftercare plan.”
EPIC looks forward to hearing more details on the extra allocation of funding to the Child and Family Agency.
Notes to the Editor
- As of July 2016, there were 336 children in care without an allocated Social Worker. http://www.tusla.ie/uploads/content/Tusla_Management_Data_Report_July_2016.pdf (access 11/10/16)
- EPIC and Care Leavers Ireland third annual Aftercare Conference will take place on Friday 21st October 2016. More information on how to book your place here https://www.epiconline.ie/news-events/
Ends
For all media enquiries or to arrange an interview please contact:
Jennifer Gargan, Director of EPIC
Telephone: 01 8727 661 Mobile: 086 607 3866
Email: jennifergargan@epiconline.ie Website: www.epiconline.ie
EPIC (formerly IAYPIC) is an independent association that works throughout the Republic of Ireland, with and for children and young people who are currently living in care or who have had an experience of living in care.