Teens being ‘criminalised’ while in care of the State

The country’s most troubled teenagers are being criminalised while in the care of the State — arrested in the secure therapeutic centres aiming to stabilise and rehabilitate them.

Currently, according to Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, five young people in special care units have accrued criminal charges during their time in care. Given the low number of placements nationally — about 20 — and the fact that the placements are short-term, this is a significant proportion at any one time.

Children’s defence solicitor Gareth Noble, who represents three of the teens, said charging young people in these settings appears to be a policy decision to crack down on challenging behaviour.