Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 February 2013
26. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the capacity and numbers in residence in each of the three special care units and the two high support units; the numbers currently awaiting placement in each of these; her plans for additional capacity at any of the current five locations or any other or new location; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7313/13]
View answerSpecial Care involves the detention of a child for his or her own welfare and protection in a Special Care Unit with on site educational and therapeutic supports. A Special Care Unit provides secure residential service to children and young people who are in need of specialised targeted intervention. Children are detained if their behaviour is deemed to pose a risk to themselves. The detention, by order of the High Court, of a child in a Special Care Unit is considered as a last resort, for as short a time as possible, and when other forms of residential or community care are considered to be unsuitable.
There are three designated special care units in the country where children are detained on order of the High Court. There is a unit in Ballydowd in Dublin, which has a capacity of ten beds and is fully occupied, another in Gleann Álainn in Cork, with a capacity of four beds and which currently has three children placed there, and Coovagh House in Limerick, which a capacity of three beds and is fully occupied.
Additionally, there are two National High Support Units in Ireland, Rath Na nÓg in Castleblaney and Crannóg Nua in Portrane, both of which have capacity for six young people. There are currently four young people placed in each of the two units.
There are currently no young people approved and awaiting a special care placement. There are seven young people under consideration by the National Special Care Admission and Discharge Committee. This Committee is due to meet today. There are currently two young people on transition into High Support. There are eight young people under consideration for High Support, including two new referrals which will be discussed by the National High Support Admission and Discharge Committee, which is due to meet today.
A full review of the capacity of the HSE Alternative Care Services is currently being undertaken by an Independent Consultant, under the lead of the Office of the National Director for Children Family Social Services. The initial focus of this review was to consider the capacity requirements for the National High Support and Special Care Service. I am advised by the HSE that a Capital Building Project with the HSE Architectural Services commenced work in late 2011. Stage 2 of the design programme led to planning applications being lodged at the end of 2012.
