Service Description

Residential child care services are provided for children and young persons under the age of 21 who cannot be adequately cared for by their families because of various reasons such as behavioural, emotional or relationship problems, or family crises arising from illness, death and desertion.

Types of Services

	Foster creches - for children under 18 years of age
	Emergency foster care - for children under 18 years of age
	Small group homes - for children from 4 to under 18 years of age
	Emergency/ Short-term Care in Small group Home - for children from 4 to under 18 years of age

     Institutional Care includes:

	Residential creches - for babies under 3 years of age
	Residential nurseries - for children aged from 2 to under 6
	Children's reception centres - for children aged under 18 years of age
	Children's homes - for children or young persons between 6 and under 21 years of age
	Boys' / girls' homes - for children or young persons between 7 and under 21 years of age with behavioural or emotional problems. Schools for Social Development are run within some of these homes
	Boys' / girls' hostels -- for young persons between 14 and under 21 years of age who are studying or working

Application Procedures

Referral should be made by the social worker responsible for the case through the respective central referral system.

Fees and charges

The service is free of charge.