Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 October 2012
24. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the position regarding those children awaiting placement in high support or special care unit residential places; the steps she is taking to provide additional places so that waiting lists are a thing of the past or at least rare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46755/12]
View answerUnder the Child Care Act, 1991, the Health Service Executive has a duty to promote the welfare of children who are not receiving adequate care or protection. The policy of the HSE is to place children in care settings, preferably in foster care, as close as possible to their home and community. There were 6,258 children in the care of the state in August 2012, the vast majority of whom were in foster care (5,739) and general residential care (339).
A very small minority of young people under 18 years of age have highly specialised needs arising from severe behaviour difficulties, due to their childhood experiences or in some cases as a result of injury, accident or disability. The care needs of these young people are generally met by directly provided residential services or services commissioned by the HSE within Ireland. There are three designated special care units in the country where children are detained on order of the high court for their own safety. There is a unit in Ballydowd in Dublin, which has a capacity of 10 beds, another in Gleann Álainn in Cork with a capacity of 4 beds and Coovagh House in Limerick with a capacity capped at 3 for the present time following refurbishment of the unit. Additionally, there are two National High Support Units in Ireland, Rath Na nÓg in Castleblaney and Crannóg Nua in Portrane. Currently there is a total capacity of 10 beds in these two units.
On 23 October 2012, there were 3 young people approved and awaiting a special care placement and one young person approved and awaiting a high support placement. The HSE has advised that it is currently engaged in a major process of change and improvement for Children and Family Social Services. Part of this work includes improvement in the areas of management, development and the provision of National High Support and Special Care Services and the future direction these services should take.
