Report 'provides roadmap' for overhaul of special care system

Tusla chief executive Kate Duggan said there has been 'some progress in recent weeks' in staffing, adding: 'This will assist in increasing our Special Care capacity to 16 beds by the end of May 2025.' File picture

The review of the special care system published by Tusla will provide a roadmap to support children like Daniel McAnaspie, who was murdered while in State care 15 years ago.

The external review commissioned by Tusla found that the special care system is in crisis, with a lack of spaces in the county’s three special care centres, and an issue with staffing. 

The system was established to provide secure therapeutic intervention for children who are subject to High Court orders.

Among the recommendations was to align pay scales for staff with Oberstown detention centre, increase capacity in residential and foster care, and to develop a legal strategy for special care. It also recommended that further research be carried out into the area, including with children and care leavers.

There are 14 children in the country’s three special care settings but if fully staffed, the units could cater for 26 children. There are currently three children waiting on places in the system.

Tusla chief executive Kate Duggan said there has been “some progress in recent weeks” in staffing, adding: “This will assist in increasing our Special Care capacity to 16 beds by the end of May 2025.” 

The report comes after the inquest last week into the 2010 death of Daniel McAnaspie, who was murdered while in care. The inquest jury recommended an urgent review of its approach to child protection and welfare.

In welcoming the report published on Tuesday, chief executive of the Children’s Rights Alliance Tanya Ward said: “It has nearly been a week since the Daniel McAnaspie inquest. 

Daniel was refused access to special care and experienced a tumultuous journey through a litany of different placements, before he was murdered at the age of 17. Daniel’s death could have been prevented if he got the right interventions and support that he needed. 

"Daniel had a very difficult childhood, having experienced poverty, neglect, profound loss and poor access to schooling. There are many more Daniels in our communities that need our help. This review provides a roadmap to provide that support.” 

She said the alliance is concerned that the review found that some children are in special care for up to two years, which is “startling given that these young people are being deprived of their liberty and have not been convicted of any crime”.