Number of children taken into care doubles

The number of children taken into the care of the Health Service Executive by court order more than doubled last year, according to the annual report of the Courts Service.

It revealed that a total of 2,287 minors were placed under the supervision of the HSE by the courts in 2011 compared to just 1,046 in the previous year — an increase of 119%.

Care orders are sought by the HSE when they believe they are dealing with children who are at risk or in need of care.