Minister Roderic O’Gorman, and Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, have today launched the second year of a bursary scheme, which provides funding for the educational and career development of young people who were previously in the care of Tusla.
The bursary scheme, funded by Dormant Accounts, is intended for those young people who are not receiving other state financial support towards education and training courses.
The grants are up to €5,000 and the young person must be over 18 years. Applications will be considered for a variety of training, education and career costs such as course fees or practical supports such as IT equipment, books, tools or uniforms.
The Minister said:
I am delighted to launch the second year of this bursary scheme as we know that supporting young people to access education and training courses outside of traditional 3rd level courses can be an important step towards building a career.
The right support is critical in terms of building self-confidence, gaining future employment, increased financial security and health and wellbeing.
This scheme provides practical support for young people who were previously in the care of Tusla, and I would encourage those interested to apply for support.
Kate Duggan, National Director of Services and Integration, Tusla, said:
Tusla welcomes the launch of the Education and Training Bursary Scheme 2022-2023.
Supporting care experienced young people in achieving their educational potential and following their chosen career is a priority for Tusla and so the Agency along with DECDIY, secured the Dormant Account funding to support care experienced people reach their goals and get them onto the journey towards their chosen career path.
In order to meet the individual needs of care experienced people, the funding is available for a wide variety of courses and training, such as third level courses, apprenticeships as well as training-related equipment. Further information is available at www.tusla.ie .
The closing date for receipt of applications is 28 October 2022. Further information can be found at www.tusla.ie or from Tusla Aftercare workers.
- Every year approximately 500 young people leave care on reaching the age of 18.
- In 2021, of those who were discharged from care when they turned 18, the majority remained with their carers (58%), while 12% returned home or to extended family. The remainder moved to independent living, shared accommodation, supported lodgings or to other locations.
- At the end of 2021, 3,059 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 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.
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