Ireland’s childcare system is facing a critical juncture, struggling to adequately protect its most vulnerable children, according to a newly published report from the Ombudsman for Children’s Office (OCO). The report, titled “Let’s Get It Right,” details systemic failings across the spectrum of care, from foster placements to residential facilities and aftercare services, raising serious concerns about the well-being of young people in State care. The findings underscore the urgent require for comprehensive reform and increased investment in a system stretched to its limits.
The OCO’s investigation was prompted by a significant rise in complaints related to Tusla – the Child and Family Agency – with 19% of all complaints received last year concerning the agency’s practices. This surge in concerns prompted a deep dive into all aspects of the care system, revealing a landscape where children are often left in insecure situations, lacking the support they desperately need. The report identifies a pivotal opportunity for “a once in a generational change to the system,” but warns that without decisive action, the current trajectory will continue to fail those it is meant to serve.
The Decline of Foster Care and Rise of Private Residential Settings
Historically, Ireland has relied heavily on foster care as the primary means of providing alternative care for children unable to remain with their families. However, the OCO report highlights a concerning seven-percentage point decrease in the proportion of children in foster care over the past decade. While over 80% of children are still placed in foster care, the decline is largely attributed to a lack of adequate financial support for foster carers, making it increasingly difficult to recruit and retain them. This shortfall is directly contributing to a growing reliance on private residential care facilities, a trend the OCO deems deeply problematic.
Currently, 69% of Tusla’s residential care is privately funded, according to the report. This represents a significant increase from Tusla’s own strategic plan, which aimed to reduce its dependence on private providers from 60% to 50% between 2022 and 2025. The shift towards private facilities raises concerns about oversight and quality of care, with the OCO pointing to high staff turnover as a key risk factor.
The report details instances where young people have been placed in unsafe environments or denied basic supports due to these systemic issues.
The Vulnerability of Kinship Carers
A particularly concerning aspect of the report focuses on the plight of kinship carers – relatives or close family friends who step in to care for children when their parents are unable to do so. These carers often provide a vital lifeline, keeping children within their families and communities. However, the OCO found that children in informal kinship care arrangements face “significant disadvantages” compared to those in State-supported care. Kinship carers frequently lack the legal rights and financial support afforded to foster carers, creating instability and hardship for both the carers and the children in their care.
Without legal guardianship, kinship carers may struggle to make crucial decisions regarding a child’s education or healthcare. Financial insecurity is also a major issue, as these families receive far less support than foster carers, increasing the risk of poverty. While the Programme for Government includes a commitment to address these gaps, the Ombudsman is urging for swift action to develop and implement a comprehensive policy to support kinship carers. The Irish Examiner reported on the growing calls for recognition and support for kinship carers in November 2023. Irish Examiner
Systemic Issues and the Need for Investment
The OCO report paints a picture of a system struggling to cope with increasing demand and a lack of resources. The increasing placement of younger children in residential care is particularly alarming, as these facilities are often ill-equipped to meet the complex needs of highly young children. The report emphasizes the need for investment in early intervention and prevention services to address the root causes of family breakdown and reduce the number of children entering care in the first place.
Beyond increased funding, the OCO recommends a series of systemic changes, including banning unregulated placements, strengthening aftercare supports for young people leaving care (extending them to age 26), improving services for children with disabilities and unaccompanied minors and ensuring that children’s voices are meaningfully heard in decisions affecting their lives. The report also calls for a greater focus on maintaining family connections, recognizing the importance of sibling relationships and extended family networks.
The OCO stresses that children in State care must be treated as “a national priority.” Without a fundamental shift in approach and a significant investment in resources, the system will continue to fall short of its obligation to protect and uphold the rights of those it is meant to serve. The next key step will be the publication of a detailed action plan from Tusla outlining how it intends to address the concerns raised in the OCO report, expected in early 2024.
This represents a developing story. If you or someone you know needs support, contact the National Child Helpline at 1800 66 66 66 or visit their website at Childline.
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