'Crisis' in special care leading to children being held for two years in placements
Briefly

A new report highlights a significant crisis in Ireland's special care system for children, indicating a severe shortage of resources and staffing. While 26 special care beds are needed, only 14 are operational due to staffing issues, leading to court-ordered children waiting for up to seven months for placement. The report has drawn sharp criticism from legal authorities and the Children's Ombudsman, stating that many at-risk children remain without timely intervention, compounding their vulnerabilities. The situation reflects ongoing challenges in adequately supporting these children's complex care needs.
The report released highlights that the depleted number of special care places leads to prolonged waiting times for court-ordered placements, with some waiting up to seven months.
Critics, including the High Court and Children's Ombudsman, have expressed concerns over Tusla's inability to secure timely placements for vulnerable children with specific care needs.
Read at Irish Independent
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