Minister O’Gorman and Tusla launch an educational bursary scheme for care-experienced young people in aftercare

Minister Roderic O’Gorman, TD, and Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, today launched a bursary scheme to fund practical supports for educational and career development for young people who were previously in the care of Tusla.

The bursary, funded by Dormant Accounts, makes available a grant of up to €5,000 to support the educational and career development goals of care experienced young people aged between 18 and 30.

Tusla welcomes applications from young people with a minimum of six months care experience. Applications will be considered for fees for an education or training course, not funded by the State, or practical supports required to complete a course the young person has enrolled in. Examples of these might be IT materials, tools, or other equipment.

The Minister said

“I am delighted to launch this bursary scheme in conjunction with Tusla. We know that supporting young people to do well in education and training is critical in terms of building self-confidence, future employment, financial security, health and wellbeing. This scheme provides practical support for young people who were previously in the care of Tusla, and I would encourage anyone meeting the criteria to consider applying for support. Details of the scheme, including how to apply, are on the Tusla website.”

Bernard Gloster, CEO Tusla said

“This bursary scheme is an example of real, practical supports, that can assist young people with care experience in their daily lives. We are happy to be able to provide this bursary scheme with the support of the Minister and his Department.”

The closing date for receipt of applications is 31st October 2021. Further information can be found here , or from Tusla aftercare workers.

ENDS

Notes for the Editors

Every year approximately 500 young people leave care on reaching the age of 18.
In 2020, of those who were discharged from care when they turned 18, the majority remained with their carers (71%), while 9% returned home or to extended family. The remainder moved to independent living, shared accommodation, supported lodgings or to other locations.*
At the end of 2020, 2,943 young people were in receipt of aftercare services from Tusla. Amongst those aged 18-22 years (inclusive), just over three quarters (76%) were enrolled in education/accredited training.**
Aftercare is a dedicated service that operates across Tusla’s 17 operational areas. Aftercare services build on and support the work that has already been undertaken by many including, foster carers, social workers and residential workers in preparing young people for transition to adulthood.
Aftercare provides young people with an aftercare plan, access to an aftercare worker, €300 per week if in education or training up to age 23, enhanced SUSI grants and over 25 years rate if receiving unemployment benefit and accommodation supports.
Applicants to the Educational Support bursary scheme can apply for a maximum of €5,000 to support their educational and career development goals. Applicants must include supporting evidence, such as confirmation of enrolment to a course, or pricing information for tools and equipment, to support their application.
The Dormant Accounts Fund enables unclaimed funds from accounts in credit institutions in Ireland to be used to support the development of persons who are economically or educationally disadvantaged, or those affected by a disability, within the meaning of the Equal Status Act.

* This figure (515) does not include young people under the Social Work Team for Separated Children Seeking International Protection.

** This figure includes 108 young people reported by the Social Work Team for Separated Children Seeking International Protection.