Centre’s capacity reduced

A CHILDREN’S detention centre in Dublin is to be downsized by more than half, following a review by the Department of Education which deemed its capacity to care for troubled young people was “lost”.

Finglas Child and Adolescent Centre in Dublin will cut capacity from three units to two, reducing the number of troubled youths it can look after from 26 to 12.

The centre came under the spotlight in February when serious concerns were expressed about “problems and recurring difficulties” which were impinging on the level of care being provided. The department responded by commissioning Michael Donnellan, director of Trinity House School, to carry out a review.

The review highlighted the lack of co-operation by young people with their programmes of care and education. This was coupled with a number of staff problems, including a lack of trust in management and a high level of absenteeism, mostly due to “fear and stress”.

Education Minister Noel Dempsey has indicated that a number of short, medium and long-term measures would be implemented to restore the quality of service at the centre. These include the appointment of a new director and key personnel “to lead the organisation out of its difficulties and to restore trust and confidence”.

An external monitor will also be appointed.

A spokesperson for the Special Residential Services Board said it would be examining the report.