The annual report from the Ombudsman for Children highlights the failure to tackle systemic gaps in the State’s obligations to vulnerable children
The Ombudsman for Children said 'the same issues are coming up again and again for children; despite Government promises to address them. Photograph: Mgov/Agency Photos, Dr Niall Muldoon, reveals a continuing failure of the State to address systemic problems concerning particularly vulnerable groups of children.
Some of the cases involving Tusla related to how complaints were dealt with, and Tusla addressed the concerns relating to these individuals. However, the Ombudsman specifically highlighted the continuing problems of children who are especially vulnerable due to their behaviour, mental health issues and disabilities. They need access to appropriate residential services that can provide the necessary therapy and, where possible, a pathway to safe and independent living.
“Many of these children may be in State care and are often the children living in ‘special emergency placements’ which simply should not be part of our care system. We have called for legislative changes to stop the placement of children in unregulated settings and focus on ensuring that we have a range of safe, caring placements for all children,” the report states.
Successive reports have done so. But, as Dr Muldoon stated in presenting this report, many of the recommendations remain unimplemented years after being made. This is especially true when it comes to children with special needs due to disability, or who have mental health or behavioural problems arising from traumatic early childhoods.
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