‘A system with in-built unfairness for children’

A draft report compiled on behalf of the Department of Children and the HSE two years ago highlighted problems of staff vacancies and high absenteeism within Ireland’s secure care system and also recommended phasing out overseas placements.

Documents provided to the Irish Examiner under Freedom of Information show that in March 2012, the London-based Potential Organisation produced a 25-page draft report into high support and special care which listed problems with the current system and recommendations for tackling them.

It stated that “the route into the system is complex and there is little provision for those children identified as in need but for whom there is no place”, adding: “There is a considerable history of staffing and budget issues that are unresolved and place a financial and service burden on the units”.