1,600 children put in care by HSE South

A TOTAL of 1,600 children were placed in care in the HSE South region last year — with “family difficulties” such as housing and finance the second most common reason for the moves.

Figures published at the latest meeting of the HSE South regional health forum show the number was apparent in December.

According to the HSE, of the 1,600 children involved, 587 were placed in care for reasons of abuse; 115 due to their own addiction, criminality and various health issues; and 898 for “family problems”.