The latest gov.ie publication on Care Experiences: Programme definitions brings important clarity to how Ireland identifies children in care and care leavers for research, policy and representation. Issued by the Department of Children, Disability and Equality, the update matters because these definitions shape how public bodies, support services and future evidence-led decisions respond to young people with experience of State care.
The publication outlines who is included in the Care Experiences Programme and makes clear that the framework is designed to reflect a broad range of lived experiences. It also signals an inclusive approach that recognises different legal pathways into care, aftercare access, homelessness-related accommodation and the need for representation across the nine grounds protected under the Equality Acts.
gov.ie update: who is defined as a care leaver?
Under the Care Experiences Programme, a care leaver is a young person or adult who previously met the definition of a child in care. The definition also extends beyond the standard aftercare pathway and includes people whose experience may previously have been overlooked.
- Young adults currently receiving or who previously received aftercare services under the Child Care Act 1991 and the Child Care (Amendment) Act 2015
- Young adults who did not engage with aftercare services
- Young adults who were not eligible for aftercare when leaving care at 18 years or younger
- Young people who became homeless and were accommodated by Tusla under Section 5 of the Child Care Act 1991
- Separated children who did not engage in, or were not eligible for, aftercare services
- Ukrainian nationals who experienced temporary care arrangements
This is a notable policy position for Ireland because it recognises that care experience does not always fit a single route. Agencies including Tusla, the Health Service Executive (HSE), Social Protection and Education stakeholders may rely on these clearer definitions when shaping supports and participation structures.
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Definition of a child in care under the Care Experiences Programme
The gov.ie document states that a child in care is a child received into care under the Child Care Act 1991. The definition includes children residing in State care through several legal mechanisms and applies regardless of placement type or location.
Categories included
- Children in care under an interim care order under Section 17 or a care order under Section 18
- Children in voluntary care with parental consent under Section 4
- Children removed by An Garda Síochána from an emergency situation under Section 12 and then placed on an emergency care order under Section 13
- Children subject to an interim special care order or special care order under Section 23D
- Children who are homeless and provided suitable accommodation by Tusla under Section 5
The publication also confirms the Programme will seek representation from participants across all nine Equality Acts characteristics, including disability, race, religion, age and membership of the Traveller community. Importantly, it also includes children and young people in care who live in detention settings within the criminal justice system, a point relevant to Justice, An Garda Síochána and wider child protection policy.
Who is not included?
The definitions do not include children living in private family arrangements or those who are adopted without any prior care experience. The reason is straightforward: they are not, or were not, in the care of the State under the Child Care Act 1991.
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Why this gov.ie clarification matters
Clear definitions on gov.ie are more than administrative wording. They influence how research is carried out, how services are planned and how voices with lived experience are included in national conversations. Bodies such as the Department of the Taoiseach, Health, Social Protection, Education and the Revenue Commissioners often depend on precise public definitions when building connected policy systems, while oversight and service organisations like HIQA and the Citizens Information Board may also benefit from clarity in public-facing guidance.
For families, advocates and professionals, the key takeaway is simple: the Care Experiences Programme is taking a wider and more inclusive view of who counts as having care experience in Ireland. That broader recognition on gov.ie can help ensure better participation, stronger evidence and more responsive public policy for children in care and care leavers.
Article/Image Courtesy: gov.ie
