HSE to outline car plan for boy in emergency care

A troubled 15-year-old boy living in emergency hostel accommodation and facing prosecution for assault has been remanded on bail to allow time for the HSE to outline details of its care plan for him.

Defence solicitor Mr Gareth Noble told the Dublin Children’s Court that the HSE was very familiar with the background of the teen who has been in a number of care placements.

The boy’s mother and grandfather were present for the case. However, Mr Noble said that the teenager’s “behavioural difficulties would make it impossible for him to be in the family home.”

He said that a care plan for the teenager was being sought from the HSE but added that the boy was content in his current hostel placement.

Ms Una McEvoy, a solicitor representing the HSE told Judge Elizabeth MacGrath that a care plan was already in place for the boy.

She said the HSE has set up a number of activities for the teen but there had been a problem with his level of engagement. Psychiatric and substance abuse counselling had been provided but the boy missed some of his appointments.

The boy has been charged with assaulting a man at the North Circular Road, in Dublin, on July 15 last and criminal damage in the emergency care hostel where he lives, on July 22 last.

Judge Elizabeth MacGrath remanded the boy on continuing bail to appear later this month to allow time for details of the HSE’s care plan to be provided to his solicitor.

He spoke once during the proceedings quietly saying “yes” and when the judge asked him if he intended to co-operate with the HSE’s efforts to help him.

The court had heard that the boy was not currently under a care order but has been appointed a social worker. Previously he had been in care and had been the subject of High Court proceedings.