Backing for bill to update child-care law
The Department of Children, Disability and Equality says that a bill designed to modernise the current legislation on the welfare of children will be published “in the coming days” after receiving Government approval.
The Child Care (Amendment) Bill 2025 will revise and update the Child Care Act 1991, which covers a range of issues – including taking children into care through voluntary agreements and court orders.
The department says that the new bill is aimed at reflecting changes in child-welfare and protection services, and capturing current legislative, policy, and practice.
‘Duty to co-operate’
It will provide for greater co-operation and co-ordination across agencies and departments, promoting what the department describes as “a more agile response” across the State in keeping children safe.
Some of the key features of the bill include:
- The introduction of a duty to co-operate between relevant bodies, such as Tusla, Government departments, and others,
- A “clear basis” for the sharing of information between agencies and organisations when they are working together on child-protection and child-welfare matters under the new duty to co-operate,
- Foster carers can apply for enhanced parental rights after three years rather than five years,
- The introduction of regular reviews of care orders for children and changes to the duration of some care orders, and
- The establishment of a Child Care Implementation and Inter-Agency Committee to bring together Government departments and State agencies who deliver services to families and children known to Tusla.
Minister Normal Foley said that she would also be bringing amendments to the bill to enhance the powers and status of the National Review Panel, which conducts reviews of child deaths and serious incidents.
She added that a further change to the legislation would place the panel on a statutory footing “as soon as possible”.