Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 May 2013
605. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the average cost to the State of keeping a teenager in Ballydowd special care unit, County Dublin, per day and per annum; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25805/13]
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 in special care 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. Special Care Units are inspected by HIQA under Section 69 of the Child Care Act, 1991 on an annual basis, and the inspection reports are published. I have been advised by the HSE that the average cost to the State of providing Special Care to a young person placed in Ballydowd Special Care Unit is approximately €10,000 per week (approximately €1424 per day).
