Tusla ‘consistently underfunded’ and in crisis, Ombudsman for Children warns

'Children in care have already overcome so much in their short lives, so when the State steps into the role of parent, it is incumbent on them to make sure it does so, knowing with absolute certainty, that it can make those lives better,' Ombdusman for Children Niall Muldoon said. File picture: Maxwells

Ireland’s care system for children is in crisis and the Government must seize the chance to make a once-in-a-generation change for the nearly 6,000 kids in State care, the Ombudsman for Children’s Office has said.

It has published a new report laying bare a system that is “consistently underfunded and in which some of the most profound breaches of children’s rights occur”.

“Children in care have already overcome so much in their short lives, so when the State steps into the role of parent, it is incumbent on them to make sure it does so, knowing with absolute certainty, that it can make those lives better,” Ombdusman for Children Niall Muldoon said.

The publication of the report based on complaints made to its office comes ahead of a new Government strategy and its first ever National Alternative Care Plan due later this year.

The Ombudsman said that a rights-based apporach must be taken to protect, respect and fulfil the rights of all children in care.

This should be centred on family-based care alongside quality alternative care options, along with early family intervenion, increased support for foster carers and a ban on placing children in unregulated accommodation and special emergency arrangements.

The report features anonymised case studies of those who have been through the care system in Ireland and highlights where the Ombudsman stepped in.

It includes Jasmine, who was placed in a special emergency arrangement but went missing several times.

Both Jasmine and her mother said she was exposed to violence, drug use, and other criminal behaiviour.

“They also said that on one occasion Jasmine was in the company of a man who we understand was exploiting her,” the report said. 

“Jasmine has further complained that she had been assaulted by another man. The concerns about both of those men are being investigated by Gardaí.” 

She also spoke about the emergency accommodation she was put in, which she described as “chaotic” and in a “dirty dingy” basement flat.

'Ruining kids' lives'

In another case, a girl said that such accommodation arrangements are “ruining kids’ lives”.

Mr Muldoon said the Government must shift away from private providers and move towards high quality, publicly provided services.

“Our report also highlights the current challenges in the system and our concerns over the level of funding being made available to Tusla,” he said.

“It is hard to fathom why, despite an increase of over 100% in referrals over the past ten years and an expanded remit over that time, Tusla would receive just 48% of what it asked for in pre-budget estimates between 2021 and 2026.

“Combined with the other demands facing Tusla such as the shortage of social workers and alternative care places, and global factors like the war in Ukraine, there is a clear need to review the level of funding to Tusla to ensure its ability to protect and care for children is not compromised.”

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