Failings of foster system in spotlight

The Government is making a mockery of post-Ryan Report child protection vows by failing to address serious funding and staffing problems in the foster care services.

Empowering People in Care (Epic) director and former social worker Jennifer Gargan made the claim after a series of damning findings were revealed in new inspection reports.

Documents drawn up by Hiqa show vulnerable children are being put at potential risk due to consistent under-funding and under-staffing of the sector.