Up to 40 children waiting for special care placement

At least 16 children are awaiting a special care placement and the actual figure could be as high as 40, Minister for Children Frances Fitzgerald heard yesterday.

Ms Fitzgerald attended a Seanad debate on the progress of the Child and Family Agency, and heard Senator Jillian van Turnhout say some children, who could be suffering from self-harming, suicidal behaviour, and substance abuse, were on a waiting list for a special care placement.

Such a placement requires a High Court order, but Ms van Turnhout also said she understood those in charge of overseeing applications on behalf of children were also those in charge of special care facilities, a duplication she said could lead to a situation where “if we don’t have a place, we don’t make an application”.