High level of absconding at children’s unit

An inspection report into a high-support unit for troubled children has found problems over the reporting of child protection concerns and a high level of absconding.

The inspection report carried out by the Health Information and Quality Authority (Hiqa) into the unit in HSE Dublin North East found there were 133 absences without authority in the past year related to 13 individuals.

The report stated: “One young person had 33 absences without authority and another young person had 36 absences without authority. The information regarding absences without authority was found to be inaccurate.”