INSPECTORS checking on residential centres for children in the care system may be required to stay overnight as part of their review process.

THE HSE and the Minister for Children yesterday defended its special care service for vulnerable children after a report claimed there were deficiencies in the system.

New figures released today show that 151 children and young adults, who were known to social services, or who were previously in care, died over the last 10 years.

SENIOR HSE figures are to be asked to meet Children’s Minister Barry Andrews to explain why the number of deaths of children in care is substantially higher than previous figures provided to the Government.

Eighteen children were killed, died from drugs or by suicide while in state care over the past ten years, the Health Service Executive (HSE) said tonight.

Eight child protection organisations today united to launch a campaign to insist that the Government implement key policy changes promised after the publication of the Ryan report into abuse in Church-run institutions.

Counselling services across the country were on standby today as survivors of clerical abuse mark the first anniversary of the harrowing Ryan Report.

THE Minister for Children Barry Andrews has met with senior Health Service Executive officials to discuss child welfare and protection services after ongoing cracks in services for children in care emerged during the week.

POOR practice within the social care system whereby foster carers were not vetted before children were placed with them is only the tip of the iceberg, it has been warned.

A psychotherapist who was involved in the care of Tracey Fay is questioning the validity of the report into her time in care and her subsequent death.

A CHILDREN’S legal rights expert has expressed alarm at proposed changes to the way the HSE funds representation for vulnerable children in the courts.

A LACK of weekend support for foster parents means they often end up having to supervise access visits with the children’s biological parents.

TWO care homes for children run by the HSE continue to operate despite numerous warnings from independent inspectors that neither is fit for purpose.

Children's charities say they are seriously concerned about the findings of a Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) report on the Special Care Unit in Ballydowd, west Dublin.

THE Government has been urged to make an exception about halving the dole for young people with a warning that it could cripple the lives of over 5,000 children in care once they turn 18.