Vol. 501 No. 5
84 Mr. Higgins (Dublin West) asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of secure residential places for disturbed juveniles run by the Eastern Health Board; if his attention has been drawn to the backlog which exists for these specialised placements; the proposals, if any, to augment these essential services to cope with the demand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6498/99]
The number of high support places in the Eastern Health Board area for children with emotional and behavioural difficulties is 12.
The board has identified the need for a total of 60 special care/high support places. Funding for the development of two units to meet this need is included in my Department's capital programme. The building of a special care unit providing 24 places has recently commenced at Ballydowd, Lucan. Planning of a second 24 bed high support unit which will be built at Portrane is at an advanced stage.
In the interim a step-down unit providing five beds is being developed. This will ensure an efficient use of the existing 12 beds by freeing up beds more quickly. A number of special arrangements for children requiring special care/high support have also been put in place pending the coming on stream of the new developments. These include intensive family support projects and alternative care options such as specialised fostering.
