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.

Up to 40 children waiting for special care placement

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”.

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