by Louise Doyle
MORE than €5,000 was spent by TUSLA on emergency accommodation in B&Bs in Donegal in 2022.
Figures released to the Donegal News by the Child and Family Agency reveal it spent €5,501 on emergency accommodation last year to house children in B&Bs.
Nationally, over €130,000 was spent by Tusla on housing children in B&Bs.
A total of 115 referrals were made to the National Out of Service for Donegal in 2022. Of these referrals, 18 young people required an alternative care placement.
A rise in demand for placements, combined with an increase in case complexity is reflected in the increased spend on emergency accommodation.
“It is the reality that for a small number of young people we are challenged to find a suitable placement due to their complex needs, or the availability of foster care or residential placements,” a spokesperson said.
“These young people are supported in alternative accommodation arrangements by staff on site and an allocated Social Worker who works with the young person and their network of support to plan for a more appropriate placement.”
Typically emergency placements are with emergency foster carers, extended family members or, if available, emergency residential placements.
“However, on occasion, in order to meet a young person’s needs, an alternative arrangement may be required in which a young person will be placed in alternative accommodation with support staff, such as a B&B.”
Tusla’s National Out of Hours Service (NOHS) provides emergency accommodation but the length of time that a child or young person might avail of a NOHS placement or resources varies.
“The purpose and function of Tusla’s National Out of Hours Social Work Service (NOHS) is to ensure the safety and welfare of children in out of hours’ circumstances. The NOHS provides emergency placements for children as required and operates 365 days a year from 6pm to 7am Monday to Friday, and from 9am to 5pm on weekends and bank holidays.
“While some children might require a placement for one night, others may require a placement for a longer period to allow social workers to carry out an assessment of their circumstances and to ensure that the child or young person’s needs are being met.
“The NOHS works in cooperation with and supports An Garda Síochána in the execution of their duties and responsibilities under s.12)3) of the Child Care Act 1991, and referrals under the Refugee Act 1996.”
The spokesperson said data for the first three months of 2023 (Quarter 1) is not yet available.
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