TUSLA PUBLIC LIABILITY INSURANCE COVER FOR FOSTER CARERS
IFCA has been made aware that in the transfer of responsibility of foster care from the Health Service Executive to Tusla, that the HSE’s Public Liability policy for foster carers did not transfer to Tusla.
IFCA has raised this matter with both Tusla and the Department of Children and Youth Affairs as a matter of great concern and urgency.
The Department has responded to IFCA acknowledging that it is acutely aware of IFCA’s concerns and that it is fully supportive of extending the State’s Indemnity Scheme under the State Claims Agency to foster carers. However, this provision is not yet in place.
As an interim solution, the Department has advised Tusla, that while no approval for the overall indemnification can be provided at this point in time, that both the Department and Tusla will ensure that every foster carer, can be offered an indemnity on “an individual” basis.
You can read the full letter from Catherine Bond, CEO on this and also the letter from the Department of Children & Youth Affairs here
News 2017
12 May 2017 - IFCA welcomes Minister Zappone's statement in relation to every young person leaving care
The Irish Foster Care Association (IFCA) welcomes Minister Katherine Zappone’s statement that every young person leaving care will have a right to an aftercare plan from 1st September 2017
Read More →3rd May 2017 - IFCA Welcomes the HIQA overview of 2016 regulation of social care and healthcare
The Irish Foster Care Association (IFCA) welcomes the HIQA Regulation Overview Report published and particularly the review of children’s services that it conducted.
Read More →HIQA inspection report on Dublin Mid-Leinster - Dublin South Central Area
IFCA welcomes the HIQA inspection report on the Dublin Mid-Leinster – Dublin South Central area that highlights regional variance in practice in managing allegations within Tusla.
Read More →IFCA Welcomes the Review of the Child Care Act announced by the Minister for Children & Youth Affairs
The Minister for Children and Youth Affairs announced that a full review of the child care act will take place to ensure that children in crisis are given supports, protections and a voice in their future and that every child in care proceedings will have the opportunity to avail of the support of a guardian ad litem – with a requirement on courts to give reasoning when an appointment is not made. A reform of Guardian ad litem service will also form part of the review to ensure the service is regulated with standard practices. Welcoming the announcement, Catherine Bond, CEO, Irish Foster Care Association commented “I am encouraged by today’s announcement by the Minister. This review is significant for both children in Ireland and all those working with children in Ireland. It is our wish in IFCA that every child in crisis has access to a Guardian ad litum and that the views and needs of the child are central to any decisions that impact on their family and their future. We look forward to working closely with the Department as the review gets underway to ensure the voice of all those involved in foster care in Ireland are heard.” Ends
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