The HSE has advised me that they are committed to designing and developing a comprehensive continuum of services to meet the divergent and complex needs of all children in care.
In 2012, the HSE initiated an in-depth review of all residential care services for children and young persons. This review will assist in mapping and reinforcing the various stages along the continuum of care provision as well as identifying where gaps exist. The HSE has appointed a National Manager to progress this review.
In relation to the National High Support and Special Care Service (the acute end of residential services), a further capacity review is underway to confirm the level of anticipated needs in the area of special care placements. Early recommendations of this review indicate that the advance proposals to commission additional special care places should proceed as there is a demand for these places. The HSE anticipate that this will bring special care capacity from 17 in 2013 to 35 by 2016. Capital funding of €26.4m for these additional places has been secured and it is confirmed that the planning for each of the projects in this sector are at an advanced stage.
