Social Care Association of Ireland

Politician(s) lobbied: Claire Kerrane (TD), Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas; Pearse Doherty (TD), Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas

Intent: This meeting is taking place after concerns were expressed by SCI members about a recruitment drive by TUSLA to allow for the hiring of non-CORU registered staff in these Special Care settings. We are increasingly hearing from experienced practitioners who are actively considering whether they can continue in their current positions, given the direction of travel and the perceived dilution of professional standards. ::• Refrain from putting TUSLA college graduates into special care settings.• Ensure that those graduating from the TUSLA college have the right supports and resources in place. • Confirm and outline the pathways for people being hired as Special Care Workers, so they can progress in their career and toward CORU registration.

Methods: Email

Politician(s) lobbied: Norma Foley (Minister), Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

Intent: SCI would also like to highlight the use of Special Emergency Arrangements (SEAs), something our members do not endorse. While such measures may be used in exceptional circumstances, their continued and routine reliance reflects a system under strain and raises serious concerns about the safety and quality of care provided to some of the most vulnerable children in the country. ::1. Recruitment practices & Team Structures in special care settingsConcerns regarding the hiring of staff who are not registered with CORU, and the potential implications for professional standards and accountability.::2. Training and preparedness of graduatesQuestions around the readiness of graduates from the TUSLA-linked training pathway to safely manage the complex, sensitive, and high-risk environments within Special Care. ::3 Impact on workforce and childrenThe combined effect of these issues on Social Care Workers’ capacity to deliver safe, consistent care, and the potential risks posed to vulnerable ch

Methods: EmailMeeting

Politician(s) lobbied: Unknown

Intent: Unknown

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Politician(s) lobbied: Unknown

Intent: Unknown

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Politician(s) lobbied: Unknown

Intent: Unknown

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Politician(s) lobbied: Unknown

Intent: Unknown

Methods: Unknown

Politician(s) lobbied: Unknown

Intent: Unknown

Methods: Unknown

Politician(s) lobbied: Unknown

Intent: Unknown

Methods: Unknown

Politician(s) lobbied: Unknown

Intent: Unknown

Methods: Unknown

Politician(s) lobbied: Unknown

Intent: Unknown

Methods: Unknown