First Tusla aftercare conference celebrates Mayo young people and others

Young people from Mayo were among those recognised at a landmark national conference celebrating care-experienced young adults.

Tusla - Child and Family Agency hosted its first-ever Aftercare Conference, titled “Shine: Celebrate Who We Are Today”, bringing together young people from across Ireland to share experiences, build connections and highlight the importance of aftercare support.

The youth-led event was designed by care-experienced young people themselves and focused on recognising resilience, creativity and leadership, while also addressing the challenges faced by those leaving State care.

Figures released at the conference show that 66 young people in Mayo are currently receiving aftercare support, as part of a national total of 2,985 young people and young adults.

Tusla provides a range of support to care leavers, including financial assistance through bursaries of up to €5,000, help with education costs, and access to employment-focused programmes such as Way2Work.

Aftercare services are available to young people who have spent time in State care, with full support offered up to the age of 21, or 23 for those in full-time education or training.

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Speaking at the event, Tusla CEO Kate Duggan said supporting young people transitioning out of care remains a key priority.

“This conference marks years of dedicated work to improve aftercare services and ensure young people are supported to achieve their goals and prepare for adulthood,” she said.

Assistant National Director William O’Rourke added that significant progress has been made under the current aftercare strategy, with a strong emphasis on empowering young people.

“The input of young people themselves has been central to this conference and to the development of services more broadly,” he said.

The event was hosted by actor and playwright Shane Casey, who praised the young participants for their creativity and determination.

“I am absolutely in awe of the young people I have met here,” he said. “Their drive and creativity is truly inspiring.”

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The conference, co-funded through Dormant Accounts and supported by the Department of Children, Disability and Equality, aimed to raise awareness of aftercare services and ensure care-experienced young people feel supported as they move into adulthood.

Tusla said it will continue to work with government departments and partner organisations to strengthen supports for care leavers, including those in Mayo, as they transition to independent living.