Tusla supports

In their submissions, the CCJHR (UCC), Nasc, and Public members 11, 15, 25, 26 and 29 suggested that the Department take immediate action to either pass legislation, or amend the International Protection Act 2015, that requires Tusla social workers to seek legal advice on the protection applications of children and young people in their care (e.g. unaccompanied minors). Comhlamh Ireland echoed these suggestions, recommending also that Tusla policy be changed to enable unaccompanied minors to continue to benefit from Tusla supports after turning 18, and for as long as they remain in the protection process.

Crosscare advised that a protocol for Tusla social workers should be developed to improve engagement with migrant youth. This would include the holding of adequate records on non-EU children from when they are first taken into care, when the relevant young people are officially registered and provided with an IRP card (upon turning 16). Adequate protocols around records would also enable non-EU children to register for independent immigration permissions upon turning 18.