State 'washing its hands' of vulnerable young people like Áine Gough Forde

In Dáil Éireann, People Before Profit TD Paul Murphy raised the case of Áine Gough Forde, whose difficulties the 'Irish Examiner' raised last month.  Picture: Moya Nolan

The State has been accused of “scandalously failing vulnerable young people” after the Irish Examiner highlighted the case of a 22-year-old woman who is being force-fed in hospital after falling through the cracks of the aftercare system.

People Before Profit TD Paul Murphy criticised shortcomings in the care system, saying the State is “washing its hands of children in care after they turn 18”. 

In the Dáil, he raised the case of Áine Gough Forde, who was forced to leave the aftercare system as her battle with severe anorexia left her unable to attend college. She is currently receiving hospital treatment.

Ms Gough Forde told the Irish Examiner last month she believed she was “thrown on the scrapheap” by the Child and Family Agency Tusla when she could no longer continue with her studies. It is a requirement for aftercare leavers to be in college to receive an aftercare allowance, and caring for over-18s is not a statutory requirement.

In a parliamentary question, Mr Murphy asked Children’s Minster Roderic O’Gorman what measures are “being taken to support a person [Áine Gough Forde] who has lost her aftercare as a result of dropping out of education because of severe anorexia.”

Mr O’Gorman responded: “Upon reaching the age of 18, a young person is deemed to have left State care.

“The aftercare allowance amounts to €300 per week and is dependent on the eligible young adult attending an accredited education course, third-level course, or training programme as outlined in the young adult’s aftercare plan.

“Care leavers not engaged in education and not in employment may be eligible for the full jobseekers allowance, provided that they meet eligibility criteria.

“In relation to accommodation supports, the primary responsibility for housing lies with the Department of Housing.” 

In 2023, Tusla published the strategic plan for aftercare services for young people and young adults. 

The department of children said it is engaging with the implementation of this plan with a view to improving aftercare services for care leavers.

However, Mr Murphy told the Irish Examiner the State is not doing enough, adding: 

Aine’s awful experience is another example of how the State is scandalously failing vulnerable young people.

“The State just washes its hands of children in its care when they turn 18, unless they remain in full-time education. 

"That leads to people like Áine being effectively abandoned.”