Barnardos welcomes Tusla’s report into the review of Special Care published today
Barnardos Guardian ad Litem (GAL) service welcomes Tusla’s latest report into the review of Special Care published today. This report highlights the need for mandated interagency collaboration, increased funding for the establishment of a centre of excellence ‘Special Care’ facility as well as the development of a range of residential services to meet the complex needs of this very vulnerable group of young people. These residential units would include high support units to prevent some young people moving into Special Care as well as offering support to those discharged from Special Care.
Barnardos GAL service works every day with young people who are subject to Special Care Orders made by the High Court. In these cases the High Court has ordered that the young person should be offered a Special Care Placement to ensure their safety and the safety of others.
Monica Hynds O’Flanagan, Barnardos Director of the Guardian ad Litem service said: “Often times these young people, who have experienced chronic neglect and abuse in their lives, have attachment and trauma difficulties, emerging significant mental health issues, alongside addiction issues, as well as being at immediate risk due to exploitation by others. Most have been in the care of the State for many years.
“Their difficulties can usually be traced back to their early childhood experiences of abuse, typically, they have not been provided with appropriate therapeutic supports within their earlier years to help them deal with these traumatic experiences. Most have experienced foster care placement break down because their carers were not equipped to cope with their complex needs.
“Furthermore, Barnardos recognises the need for increased investment in Special Care and highlight that early intervention and family support services at an early age are pivotal to ensuring that fewer young people grow up to need Special Care. Helping children to remain in education by supporting them and their families is also crucial.”
Barnardos knows that providing intensive family support to very vulnerable children and their parents in the ‘here and now’ increases families’ capacity to cope with difficult circumstances, develops and supports their parenting skills and gives their children a better chance at life than that experienced by those young people currently in Special Care or waiting for a Special Care place.
ENDS
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