State could be sued over foster care abuses

A leading child protection expert has warned the State could be sued unless it immediately addresses a litany of shocking foster care service abuses.

Special rapporteur on child protection, Geoffrey Shannon, made the prediction after a major investigation found hundreds of foster children in one of Ireland’s most deprived areas are being needlessly put at risk.

This includes some cases where children are being left with carers already facing serious allegations due to sub-standard file-keeping, staff shortages, and delays in checking complaints.