Danny Talbot: Lack of support
The report said it seemed Danny had raised himself and was unused to any routine in his life at that stage.
It expressed concern that there were “significant shortcomings” in the care provided to Danny who died in 2009, aged 19, from a drugs overdose.
The ICDRG called for a inquiry into the case to inform future practice, as it said he had been at risk early in his life.
Danny had lived with his father until his death, when Danny was nine, during which time it appeared he had been neglected and subjected to physical and sexual abuse.
The report said it was unclear how Danny and a sibling had been left in his father’s care, where living conditions, personal care, and nutritional needs were not met. His older siblings had been abandoned in hospital and placed in foster care, or sent abroad.
Danny’s mother, who had a very volatile relationship with his father and suffered from alcohol abuse and mental health problems, was never in a position to provide care for her children. She died when Danny was 16.
“Early intervention and monitoring of this family might have pre-empted most of the difficulties experienced by this young person,” stated the report.
It claimed the feelings of grief experienced by Danny and the abuse he suffered were never addressed.
It said Danny’s contact with his extended family, with whom he had a strong connection, did not seem to have been properly supported.
One of his aunts, who gave him lodging at weekends, had requested support and counselling for him but was constantly told he was on a waiting list.
She had to stop providing temporary care for Danny as his drug abuse threatened the safety of her children.
He returned to a foster family with whom he had previously spent almost five years, but the placement broke down. Danny subsequently appears to have been drawn into criminal activity and drug abuse while on the streets.
The report said it appeared Danny spent some time in prison where he was drug-free and had sought treatment for his addiction. He died shortly after his release from prison.
The ICDRG complained it had received no details on the circumstances surrounding Danny’s death from the HSE. It said his file appeared to have been closed once he turned 18.
Danny’s case was also examined by the Children’s Ombudsman on foot of a complaint from Danny’s family. The National Review Panel is also reviewing it.
The report said it was important that lessons were learned and that young children with vulnerable parents were not left in an unsafe environment.
“It needs also to be understood why the admission of this young person to the care system does not appear to have triggered appropriate counselling services and other supports,” it said.
