Concerns that teenager missing from care is involved in manufacture of crack cocaine

Tusla is facing multiple lawsuits brought on behalf of children left without a secure care bed

Highly troubled and vulnerable children aged 11 to 17 can be detained in a secure care unit, known as special care, on foot of a High Court order sought by Tusla. File picture: iStock

A vulnerable minor who is subject to a court order directing Tusla to place him in secure care was reported missing from his temporary accommodation amid concerns of his involvement in the manufacturing of crack cocaine, the High Court has heard.

Tusla, the child and family agency, has not complied with the order to detain the child in secure care, due to a lack of available beds in the State’s three secure care units.