Minister Foley launches consultation process for new plan for children in the care system

The Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley, has announced the start of the consultation process for the new plan for children in the care system.

The state currently provides care for around 5,000 children who cannot remain in the care of their parents.  Almost 90 per cent of these children are in foster care, which provides a safe and stable environment and is the preferred option where possible.

Other types of care include children living with relatives (known as kinship care), care in residential facilities, care for separated children seeking asylum and special care for children who are very vulnerable with complex psychological and sociological profiles.

Minister Foley formally launched the consultation process for the National Policy Framework on Alternative Care on November 3rd, in partnership with a diverse range of stakeholders and officials from across Government Departments and agencies.

The National Policy Framework will aim to articulate a future and Whole of Government vision of alternative care in Ireland and will also deliver on a Programme for Government commitment in this regard.

The voices and views of children and young people with care experience will be placed at the centre of the National Policy Framework, from development to delivery. There will also be extensive consultation with other stakeholders and experts.

Minister Foley said:

“I believe that our development of a new national policy for children in the care system is a significant moment for us as a country. It is an opportunity to articulate the ambition and duty that I know we all share in relation to young people in care.

The children known to our care system are some of the most vulnerable young people in Ireland. It is simply not enough to leave no child behind. We need to help and support every child to reach their full potential.

The development of the National Policy Framework represents a significant opportunity to improve the experiences and outcomes for our young people in care and those who have left our care system.” 

The initial development of the National Policy Framework for Alternative Care began in December 2024. A consultation plan has now been finalised, and a Town Hall event of roughly 100 key stakeholders took place in Blackhall Place on 3rd November 2025 to formally launch the consultation process.

The consultation process will continue over the coming months with a series of focus groups, bilateral engagements and written submissions with key stakeholders, children, young people, and individuals working in alternative care.

The National Policy Framework on Alternative Care will be delivered in the summer of 2026, following this robust consultation process.