More children in care system may die

The social service system that failed to protect vulnerable young people who died in State care is still seriously under-staffed and under-funded, risking a repeat of the tragedies.

Senior officials from the Child and Family Agency admitted lives may still be at risk as it published its latest reports into deaths of children and young people known to social services.

The reports focus on the circumstances behind four deaths, including that of 19-year-old Danny Talbot, whose family has criticised the lack of help he received. The cases are among 91 such fatalities since an independent review examining the hidden scandal was set up four years ago.