Immediate Release: 23rd August 2016
Tusla, the Child and Family Agency have today published its annual report for 2015. The report contains key developments by the Agency in 2015 which includes: a 21% reduction of cases awaiting allocation to a Social Worker from 2014 to 2015 and a 65% reduction of high priority cases awaiting allocation to a Social Worker.
Last year the Agency received a total of 195 complaints. A breakdown of these complaints listed relate to: Tusla assessments and reports, staff attitudes, limited communication, child protection concerns, placements issues, access arrangements and aftercare.
Speaking following publication of the report, Director of EPIC, Jennifer Gargan made the following comment:
“EPIC welcomes the publication of Tusla’s annual report for 2015. The breakdown of the complaints recorded reflect the issues for young people presenting to our National Advocacy Service where the main presenting issue for young people under 18 continues to be around the suitability or appropriateness of their placement.
EPIC welcomes greater data collation provided by Tusla, in particular that on aftercare. However the experiences of young people show aftercare provision is inconsistent across the country and therefore a greater in-depth analysis of these figures would be useful to identify the nature and extent of Aftercare supports that young people are receiving across the country.”
Tusla’s key commitments for 2016 are outlined in the report which includes reducing cases awaiting allocation by 60% and ensuring that 100% of children in care have an allocated Social Worker.
Notes to the Editor
- To view the issues for young people accessing EPIC’s National Advocacy Service, our latest Advocacy Report is available to read here https://www.epiconline.ie/topics/publications/research-reports/
- To view Tusla’s Annual Report 2015, click on the following link http://www.tusla.ie/uploads/content/Tusla_Annual_Report_2015_WEB.PDF (accessed 23/08/16)
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.