The High Court has ordered gardaí to apprehend a 16-year-old boy who had absconded from hospital, bring him back and remain with him until a brain scan is carried out on him.

Almost half of all vulnerable teens the High Court sent for urgent “special care placements” last year due to their complex issues were instead put on HSE waiting lists

The HSE is putting vulnerable teens who have committed no crime at serious risk by locking them up for 12 hours a day alongside others who have a history of arson and substance abuse.